BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


f-f  //- 

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SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION BUREAU  OF  ETHNOLOGY 

J.  W.  POWELL,  DIRECTOR 


A  COLLECTION 


GESTURE -SIGNS 

AND    SIGNALS 

OF   THE 

NORTH  AMERICAN  INDIANS 


WITH 


SOME   COMPARISONS 


BREVET  LIETTT.  COL.  AND  FORMERLY  ACTING  CHIEF  SIGNAL  OFFICER,   V.  8.  ARMY 


DISTRIBUTED  ONLY  TO  COLLABORATORS 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT  FEINTING  OFFICE 
1880 


£~  (3 


:.. 


A  COLLECTION  OF  GESTURE-SIGNS  OF  THE  NORTH  AMERICAN 

INDIANS. 


INTRODUCTORY      LETTER. 


SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION, 
BUREAU  OF  ETHNOLOGY, 

Washington,  D.  (7.,  July  31,  1880. 

To  THE  COLLABORATORS  WITH  THE  BUREAU  OF  ETHNOLOGY  IN  THE  STUDY  OF 
SIGN  LANGUAGE  : 
GENTLEMEN  : 

This  paper  contains  the  descriptions  of  the  gesture-signs  of  the  North  American 
Indians  which  at  the  above  date  have  been  obtained  by  this  Bureau.  It  will  not  be 
used  for  publication  in  its  present  shape,  and  will  be  distributed  only  to  those  corre 
spondents  who  have  contributed  to  its  contents,  and  to  others  whose  expected  co-opera 
tion,  the  results  of  which  are  not  yet  received,  is  relied  upon  to  add  value  to  the  final 
work.  No  discussion  is  now  introduced.  The  descriptions  alone,  in  a  tentative  arrange 
ment,  are  presented  for  the  purpose  of  the  verification  of  observations,  for  verbal 
corrections  of  every  kind,  and  for  the  study  of  all  collaborators,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
editor,  to  secure  accurate  classification  and  comparison.  Only  such  notes  of  resemblance 
or  discordance  between  several  of  the  Indian  signs,  and  between  some  of  them  and 
those  of  deaf  mutes,  foreign  tribes  of  men,  and  ideographic  characters,  are  now  printed 
as  have  already  been  attached  to  the  same  signs  in  the  compilation  for  preliminary 
treatises  already  produced.  It  is  convenient  to  retain  those  in  the  same  connection. 
Many  others  of  the  same  kind,  remaining  in  MS.  memoranda,  are  omitted,  because 
their  insertion  will  be  more  correctly  made  after  the  proper  arrangement  has  been 
accomplished.  Any  such,  occurring  to  collaborators,  will,  it  is  hoped,  be  suggested 
by  them  in  the  margin  of  the  present  paper  where  they  may  seem  to  be  most  appro 
priate. 

The  primary  object  of  this  paper  is  that  every  contributor  to  it  may  be  enabled          _ 
to  revise  his  own  contribution,  which  for  the  present  is  divided  and  arranged  accord-          O  $ 
ing  to  a  scheme  of  linguistic  families  and  subordinate  languages  or  tribes,  as  set  forth 
in  the  LIST  OF  AUTHORITIES  AND  COLLABORATORS,  which  also  serves  as  an  index  to 


the  VOCABULARY.  It  is  supposed  that  this  arrangement  will  prove  the  best  to  study 
the  diversities  and  agreements  of  signs.  For  that  important  object  it  is  more  con 
venient  that  the  names  of  the  tribe  or  tribes  among  which  the  signs  described  have 
been  observed  should  catch  the  eye  in  immediate  connection  with  the  signs,  than  that 
those  of  the  observers  only  should  follow.  Some  of  the  latter,  indeed,  having  given 
both  similar  and  Jittering  signs  for  more  than  one  tribe,  the  use  of  the  contributor's 
na  me  alone  would  create  confusion.  To  print  in  every  case  the  name  of  the  contributor, 
and  also  the  name  of  the  tribe,  would  seriously  burden  the  paper  and  be  unnecessary 
to  the  student,  the  reference  being  readily  made  to  each  authority  through  the  index. 

No  contribution  has  been  printed  which  asserted  that  any  described  sign  is  used  by 
•'all  Indians,"  for  the  reason  that  such  statement  is  not  admissible  evidence  unless  the 
authority  had  personally  examined  "all  Indians."  If  any  credible  correspondent  had 
aflirmatively  stated  that  a  certain  identical,  or  substantially  identical,  sign  had  been 
found  by  him,  actually  used  by  Arbeua-ki,  Abnaroka^  Arikara,  Assiniboins,  etc.,  going 
through  the  whole  list  of  tribes,  or  any  definite  portion  of  that  list,  it  would  have  been 
so  inserted  under  the  several  tribal  heads.  But  the  expression  "all  Indians,"  besides 
being  insusceptible  of  methodical  classification,  involves  hearsay,  which  is  not  the  kind 
of  authority  desired  in  a  serious  study.  Such  loose  talk  long  delayed  the  recognition 
of  anthropology  as  a  science.  It  is  true  that  some  general  statements  of  this  character 
are  made  by  some  old  authors  now  quoted,  but  their  descriptions  are  reprinted,  as 
being  all  that  can  be  used  of  the  past,  for  whatever  weight  they  may  have,  and  they 
are  kept  separate  from  the  linguistic  classification. 

Contributors  will  observe  that  there  has  been  no  attempt  to  change  their  phrase 
ology  even  when  it  seemed  to  be  defective.  Besides  the  ordinary  errors  of  the  press, 
and  those  that  may  have  crept  into  the  copy  by  mistakes  in  reading  or  transcribing 
the  written  descriptions,  some  of  the  contributors  will  probably  share  the  common 
experience  of  surprise  at  the  extent  to  which  details  of  expression  and  punctuation, 
when  in  the  severe  clearness  of  print,  have  altered  the  shade  of  meaning  as  intended 
to  be  conveyed  in  their  MS.  The  wide  margins  and  calendered  paper  will  readily 

allow  even  of  re< iposition  of  sentences  when  desirable.  For  this  purpose,  as  well  as 

several  others,  this  paper  will  be  regarded  by  each  correspondent  as  simply  a  proof- 
sheet  sent  directly  to  himself  from  the  printer,  and  it  will  of  course  be  understood  that 
a  correspondent  who  may  make  any  kind  of  correction  or  note  upon  this  paper  will 
return  it  by  mail  (as  book  proof),  so  annotated,  to  the  undersigned,  thereby  saving 
correspondence  and  securing  accuracy.  It  is  indeed  requested  that  all  copies  shall  be 
returned  whether  annotated  or  not,  in  order  to  prevent  a  professedly  imperfect  edition 
from  falling  into  improper  hands.  It  is  much  regretted  that  the  illustrations  and  dia 
grammatic  aids  to  the  descriptions,  furnished  by  most  of  the  contributors,  cannot  be 
reproduced  in  this  paper,  so  that  their  accuracy  also  might  be  determined,  but  the 
cost  of  such  illustrations  cannot  be  incurred  at  this  time  and  for  this  purpose.  The 
-Outlines  tor  Arm  Positions"  and  "Types  of  Hand  Positions"  were  provided  for  from 
the  appropriation  for  this  Bureau,  but  its  amount  does  not  admit  of  such  an  under 
taking  as  now  in  question.  In  this  connection  it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  descrip 
tions  frequently  refer  to  illustrations  furnished  by  the  contributors  or  to  the"Out- 
lines"and  "Types."  and  these  references  are  retained  in  print.  As  all  the  contributors 
remember  their  own  illustrations,  etc..  the  references  will  be  intelligible  to  themselves, 


though  unfortunately  not  always  to  others  who  might  wish  to  compare  them  with  their 

illustrations. 

The  ascertainment  of  the  conceptions  or  origin  of  the  several  signs,  embodying 
as  they  do,  many  sociologic,  mythologic,  and  other  ethnographic  ideas,  is  of  special  im 
portance.  When  those  obtained  through  collaborators  are  printed  in  the  VOCABULARY 
before  the  authority,  they  are  to  be  understood  to  have  been  gathered  from  an  Indian 
as  being  his  own  conception.  When  printed  after  the  authority  and  within  quotation 
marks,  they  are  in  the  words  of  the  collaborator  as  offered  by  himself.  When  printed 
after  the  authority  and  without  quotation  marks,  they  are  suggested  at  this  Bureau. 
All  should  be  equally  criticised  and  supplemented,  and  any  error  in  printing  the 
authority  for  the  conceptions  corrected.  It  has  sometimes  been  impossible  to  decide 
whether  the  correspondent  intended  to  give  them  as  his  own  or  as  from  an  Indian. 
The  importaucee  of  an  Indian's  conception  is  so  much  greater  than  any  other  that  the 
fact  should  be  made  clear. 

The  margins  will  also  allow  of  additions  to  all  contributions,  whether  from  inter 
vening  independent  research  or  as  suggested  by  any  part  of  the  material  collected. 
This  work  being  on  the  co-operative  principle,  it  is  not  supposed  that  jealousies  or 
questions  of  precedence  will  arise,  and  each  contributor  will  be  credited  with  the  amount 
of  capital  advanced  for  the  common  stock.  It  is  highly  desirable  that  the  signs  as 
described  by  each  should  be  compared  by  him  with  those  of  others,  and  notes  of  coin 
cidence  or  discrepancy  made.  Perhaps,  in  some  instances,  the  signs  as  described  by 
one  of  the  other  contributors  may  be  recognized  as  intended  for  the  same  sign  for  the 
same  idea  or  object  as  that  of  the  correspondent,  and  the  former  may  prove  to  be  the 
better  description.  The  personal  habitude  of  some  individual  in  any  tribe,  and  still 
more  frequently  the  usage  or  "fashion"  of  different  tribes,  may,  by  a  peculiar  abbre 
viation  or  fanciful  flourish,  have  induced  a  differentiation  in  description  with  no  real 
distinction  either  in  conception  or  essential  formation.  All  collaborators  will  there 
fore  be  candid  in  admitting,  should  such  cases  occur,  that  their  own  descriptions  are 
mere  unessential  variants  from  others  printed,  otherwise  adhere  to  their  own  and 
explain  the  true  distinction.  When  the  descriptions  show  substantial  identity,  they 
will  in  the  final  publication  be  united,  with  a  combined  reference  to  all  the  authorities 
giving  them,  as  they  are  in  some  cases  of  those  taken  at  Washington  in  the  present 
VOCABULARY. 

It  will  probably  be  also  noticed  that  a  sign  described  will  have  the  same  actually 
substantive  formation  as  some  other  in  the  VOCABULARY  which  is  stated  to  be  with  a 
signification  so  markedly  distinguished  as  to  be  insusceptible  of  classification  as  a 
synonym.  It  will  then  be  important  for  each  contributor  of  the  rival  signs  to  refresh 
his  memory  as  to  accuracy  of  description  or  significance,  or  both,  and  to  announce  his 
decision.  No  error  is  necessarily  involved.  It  will  be  very  remarkable  if  precisely 
the  same  sign  does  not  prove  to  be  used  by  different  persons  or  bodies  of  people  with 
wholly  distinct  significations,  the  graphic  forms  for  objects  and  ideas  being  much  more 
likely  to  be  coincident  than  sound  is  for  similar  expressions,  yet  in  all  oral  languages 
the  same  precise  sound  is  used  for  utterly  diverse  meanings.  The  first  conception  of 
many  objects  must  be  the  same.  It  has  been  found,  indeed,  that  the  homophony  of  words 
and  the  homomorphy  of  ideographic  pictures  is  noticeable  in  opposite  significations, 
the  conceptions  arising  from  the  opposition  itself.  The  differentiation  in  portraiture  or 
accent  is  a  subsequent  and  remedial  step  taken  only  after  the  confusion  has  been 


observed.  Such  confusion  and  contradiction  would  onlv^be  eliminated  it  the  sign  Ian 
guage  were  absolutely  perfect  as  well  as  absolutely  universal.  Cast-iron  inflexibility 
and  adamantine  endurance  are  certainly  not  found  in  any  other  mode  of  human  utter 
ance.  It  will  be  an  abnormity  in  the  processes  of  nature  if  signs  do  not  have  their 
births  and  deaths,  their  struggles  for  existence  with  survival  of  the  fittest,  as  well  as 
words,  animals,  and  plants.  For  our  purpose  the  inquiry  is  not  what  a  sign  might, 
could,  would,  or  should  be,  or  what  is  the  best  sign  for  a  particular  meaning,  but  what 
is  any  sign  actually  used  for  such  meaning.  If  any  one  sign  is  honestly  invented  or 
adopted  by  any  one  man,  whether  Indian,  African,  Asiatic,  or  deaf-mute,  it  has  its 
value.  Its  prevalence  and  special  range  present  considerations  of  different  and  greater 
interest  and  requiring  further  evidence. 

The  editor  takes  occasion  to  declare  that — for  the  good  reason  that  his  real  study 
only  now  commences  with  the  completion  of  the  present  paper  which  renders  it  practi 
cal  »lc — he  does  not  hold  with  tenacity  any  theory  whatever,  and  particularly  one  which 
would  deny  that  the  Indian  signs  come  from  a  common  stock.  On  the  contrary,  it 
would  be  highly  interesting  to  ascertain  that  the  signs  of  this  continent  had  a  generic 
distinctiveness  compared  with  those  of  other  parts  of  the  world.  Such  research  would 
be  similar  to  that  into  the  Aryan  and  Semitic  sources  to  which  certain  modern  languages 
have  been  traced  backwards  from  existing  varieties,  and  if  there  appear  to  be  existing 
varieties  in  signs  their  roots  may  still  be  found  to  be  sui  ycneris.  It  is,  however,  pos 
sible  that  the  discrepancy  between  signs  was  formerly  greater  than  at  present.  There 
is  some  evidence  that  where  a  sign  language  is  now  found  among  Indian  tribes  it  has 
become  more  uniform  than  ever  before,  simply  because  many  tribes  have  been  for  some 
time  past  forced  to  dwell  near  together  at  peace.  The  use  of  signs,  though  maintained 
by  linguistic  diversities,  is  not  coincident  with  any  linguistic  boundaries.  The  tend 
ency  is  to  their  uniformity  among  groups  of  people  who  from  any  cause  are  brought 
into  contact  with  each  other  while  still  speaking  different  languages.  The  longer  and 
closer  such  contact,  while  no  common  tongue  is  adopted,  the  greater  will  be  the  uni 
formity  of  signs.  A  collection  was  obtained  last  spring  at  Washington  from  a  united 
delegation  of  the  Kaiowa,  Comanche,  Apache,  and  Wichita  tribes,  which  was  nearly 
uniform,  but  the  individuals  who  gave  the  signs  had  actually  lived  together  at  or  near 
Anadarko,  Indian  Territory,  for  a  considerable  time,  and  the  resulting  uniformity  of 
their  signs  might  either  be  considered  as  a  jargon  or  as  the  natural  tendency  to  a  com 
promise  for  mutual  understanding — the  unification  so  often  observed  in  oral  speech, 
coming  under  many  circumstances  out  of  former  differentiation.  It  may  be  found  that 
other  individuals  of  those  same  tribes  who  have  from  any  cause  not  lived  in  the  union 
explained  may  have  signs  for  the  same  ideas  different  from  those  in  the  collection  above 
mentioned  ;  but  this  supposition  should  be  disregarded,  except  to  incite  further  inquiry, 
until  such  inquiry  should  collect  specific  facts  to  support  the  hypothesis.  The  whole 
of  this  controversy  may  be  disposed  of  by  insisting  upon  an  objective  instead  of  a  sub 
jective  observation  and  study.  Our  duty  is  to  collect  the  facts  as  they  are,  and  so  soon 
as  possible,  as  every  year  will  add  to  the  confusion  and  difficulty.  After  the  facts  arc 
established  the  theories  will  take  care  of  themselves,  and  their  final  enunciation  will 
be  in  the  hands  of  men  more  competent  than  any  of  us,  perhaps  than  any  persons 
now  living. 

A  warning  seems  necessary  since  the  publication  of  an  article  in  the  number  of 
"  United  Service"  for  July,  1880,  in  which  the  author  takes  the  ground  that  the  descrip- 


5 

tion  of  signs  should  be  made  according  to  a  "menu"  or  average.  There  can  be  no 
philosophic  consideration  of  signs  according  to  a  "mean"  of  observations.  The 
final  object  is  to  ascertain  the  radical  or  essential  part  as  distinct  from  any  individual 
nourish  or  mannerism  on  the  one  hand,  and  from  a  conventional  or  accidental  abbre 
viation  on  the  other  ;  but  a  mere  average  will  not  accomplish  this  object.  If  the  hand, 
being  in  any  position  whatever,  is,  according  to  five  observations,  moved  horizon 
tally  one  foot  to  the  right,  and,  according  to  five  other  observations,  moved  one  foot 
horizontally  to  the  left,  the  "  mean"  or  resultant  will  be  that  it  is  stationary,  which  is 
not  in  any  way  corresponding  with  any  of  the  ten  observations.  So  if  six  observa 
tions  give  it  a  rapid  motion  of  one  foot  to  the  right  and  five  a  rapid  motion  of  the 
same  distance  to  the  left,  the  mean  or  resultant  would  be  somewhat  difficult  to  express, 
but  perhaps  would  be  a  slow  movement  to  the  right  for  an  inch  or  two,  having 
certainly  no  resemblance  either  in  essentials  or  accidents  to  any  of  the  signs  actually 
observed.  In  like  manner  the  tail  of  the  written  letter  "y"  (which,  regarding  its  mere 
formation,  might  be  a  graphic  sign)  may  have,  in  the  chirography  of  several  persons, 
various  degrees  of  slant,  may  be  a  straight  line  or  looped,  and  may  be  curved  on  either 
side ;  but  a  "  mean  "  taken  from  several  manuscripts  would  leave  the  unfortunate  letter 
without  any  tail  whatever,  or  travestied  as  a  "  M"  with  an  amorphous  flourish.  A 
definition  of  the  radical  form  of  the  letter  or  sign  by  which  it  can  be  distinguished 
from  any  other  letter  or  sign  is  a  very  different  proceeding.  Therefore,  if  a  "mean" 
or  resultant  of  any  number  of  radically  different  signs  to  express  the  same  object  or 
idea,  observed  either  among  several  individuals  of  the  same  tribe  or  among  different 
tribes,  is  made  to  represent  those  signs,  they  are  all  mutilated  or  ignored  as  distinctive 
signs,  though  the  result  may  possibly  be  made-  intelligible  in  practice,  according  to 
principles  mentioned  in  the  "  Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Sign  Language"  of  the  present 
writer ;  and  still  another  view  may  be  added,  that  because  a  sound  of  broken  English 
may  be  understood  by  an  intelligent  Englishman  it  is  no  proof  of  that  sound  being  an 
English  word  or  a  word  of  any  language.  The  adoption  of  a  "  mean"  may  be  practi 
cally  useful  in  the  formation  of  a  mere  interpreter's  jargon,  though  no  one  can  use  it 
but  himself  or  those  who  memorize  it  from  him,  but  it  elucidates  no  principle.  It  is 
also  practically  convenient  for  any  one  determined  to  argue  for  the  uniformity  -and 
universality  of  sign-language  as  against  the  variety  apparent  in  all  the  realms  of 
nature.  On  the  "mean"  principle,  he  only  needs  to  take  his  two-foot  rule  and  arith 
metical  tables  and  make  all  signs  his  signs  and  his  signs  all  signs.  Of  course  they  are 
uniform,  because  he  has  made  them  so  after  the  brutal  example  of  Procrustes. 

In  this  connection  it  is  proper  to  urge  another  warning,  that  a  mere  sign-talker  is 
often  a  bad  authority  upon  principles  and  theories.  He  may  not  be  liable  to  the  satir 
ical  compliment  of  Dickens's  "  brave  courier,"  who  "  understood  all  languages  indiffer 
ently  ill "  ;  but  many  men  speak  some  one  language  fluently,  and  yet  are  wholly  unable 
to  explain  or  analyze  its  words  and  forms  so  as  to  teach  any  one  else,  or  even  to  give 
an  intelligent  summary  or  classification  of  their  own  knowledge.  What  such  a  sign- 
talker  has  learned  is  by  memorizing,  as  a  child  may  learn  English,  and  though  both 
the  sign-talker  and  the  child  may  be  able  to  give  some  separate  items  useful  to  a  phi 
lologist  or  foreigner,  such  items  are  spoiled  when  colored  by  the  attempt  of  ignorance 
to  theorize.  A  German  who  has  studied  English  to  thorough  mastery,  except  in  the 
mere  facility  of  speech,  may  in  a  discussion  upon  some  of  its  principles  be  contradicted 
by  any  mere  English  speaker,  who  insists  upon  his  superior  knowledge  because  he 
actually  speaks  the  language  and  his  antagonist  does  not,  but  the  student  will  probably 


be  correct  and  the  talker  wrong.  It  is  an  old  adage  about  oral  speech  that  a  man  who 
understands  but  one  language  understands  none.  The  science  of  a  sign-talker  pos 
sessed  by  a  restrictive  theory  is  like  that  of  Mirabean.  who  was  greater  as  an  orator 
than  as  a  philologist,  and  who  on  a  visit  to  England  gravely  argued  that  there  was 
something  seriously  wrong  in  the  British  mind  because  the  people  would  insist  upon 
saying  ''give  me  some  bread"  instead  of  "  donnez  nioi  du  pain,"  which  was  so  much 
easier  and  more  natural.  A  designedly  ludicrous  instance  to  the  same  effect  was 
Hood's  arraignment  of  the  French  because  they  called  their  mothers  "mares"  and 
their  daughters  "fillies."  Not  binding  ourselves  to  theories.  \ve  should  take  with  cau 
tion  any  statement  from  a  person  who,  having  memori/ed  or  hashed  up  any  number 
of  signs,  large  or  small,  has  decided  in  his  conceit  that  those  he  uses  are  the  only 
genuine  simon-pure,  to  be  exclusively  employed  according  to  his  direction,  all  others 
being  counterfeits  or  blunders.  His  vocabulary  has  ceased  to  give  the  signs  of  any 
Indian  or  body  of  Indians  whatever,  but  becomes  the  vocabulary  of  Dr.  Jones  or  Lieu 
tenant  Smith,  the  proprietorship  of  which  he  fights  for  as  did  the  original  Dr.  Townsend 
for  his  patent  medicine.  When  a  sign  is  contributed  by  one  of  the  present  collabora 
tors,  which  such  a  sign-talker  has  not  before  seen  or  heard  of,  he  will  at  once  condemn 
it  as  bad,  just  as  a  United  States  Minister  to  Vienna,  who  had  been  nursed  in  the 
mongrel  Dutch  of  Berks  County,  Pennsylvania,  declared  that  the  people  of  Germany 
spoke  very  bad  German.  The  experience  of  the  present  editor  is  that  the  original 
authorities,  or  the  best  evidence,  for  Indian  signs — i.  e.,  the  Indians  themselves — 
being  still  accessible,  the  collaborators  in  this  work  should  not  be  content  with 
secondary  authority.  White  sign-talkers  and  interpreters  may  give  some  genuine 
signs,  but  they  are  very  apt  to  interpolate  their  own  inventions  and  deductions.  By 
gathering  the  genuine  signs  alone  we  will  be  of  use  to  scholars,  and  give  our  own  stud 
ies  proper  direction,  while  the  true  article  presented  can  always  be  adulterated  into  a 
composite  jargon  by  those  whose  ambition  is  only  to  be  sign-talkers  instead  of  making 
an  honest  contribution  to  ethnologic  and  philologic  science.  The  few  direct  contri 
butions  of  interpreters  to  the  present  work  are,  it  is  believed,  valuable,  because  they 
were  made  without  expression  of  self-conceit  or  symptom  of  possession  by  a  pet  theory. 
So  far  as  only  concerns  the  able  gentlemen  who  have  favored  this  Bureau  with 
their  contributions  there  is  no  need  to  continue  these  remarks.  Suffice  it  to  repeat 
with  more  emphasis,  that  their  criticisms  and  suggestions  are  invited  as  to  all  matter 
herein  contained,  even  to  the  details  of  grouping  and  title-words  in  the  alphabetic 
arrangement,  synonyms,  and  cross  references.  In  the  present  private  and  tentative 
work  many  hundreds  of  separate  slips  of  paper  are  for  the  first  time  connected  together, 
thereby  rendering  perfect  order  unexpected.  It  may  be  mentioned  that  some  of  the 
title-words  and  phrases  which  have  a  quaint  appearance  are  those  used  by  the  older 
printed  authorities,  for  which  it  is  not  always  safe  to  supply  a  synonym,  and  the  signs 
of  those  same  authorities  being  the  most  curtly  and  obscurely  described  of  all  in  the 
collection,  there  is  no  alternative  but  to  print  them  as  they  stand  for  such  use  as  may 
be  possible,  which  will  chiefly  be  in  their  bearing  upon  the  questions  of  persistency  and 
universality.  The  present  edition  will  allow  the  verbal  expressions  of  the  living  and 
accessible  to  be  revised  and  to  be  compared  with,  thus  perhaps  to  correct  the  imper 
fections  of  descriptions  made  by  the  dead  and  inaccessible;  but  the  language  of  the 
latter  cannot  now  be  changed.  The  arrangement  of  the  VOCABULARY  is  more  to 
group  the  concepts  than  the  English  title-words  according  to  the  synonyms  of  that 
language.  A  further  step  in  the  study  will  be  to  prepare  a  synoptic  arrangement  of 


the  signs  themselves — that  is,  of  motions  and  positions  of  the  same  character  apart 
from  their  individual  significance  in  any  oral  speech. 

The  hearty  thanks  of  this  Bureau  are  rendered  to  all.its  collaborators,  and  will  in 
future  be  presented  in  a  manner  more  worthy  of  them.  It  remains  to  give  to  them  an 
explanation  of  the  mode  in  which  a  large  collection  of  signs  has  been  made  in  Wash 
ington.  Fortunately  for  this  undertaking,  the  policy  of  the  government  has  brought 
here,  during  the  last  winter  and  spring,  delegations,  sometimes  quite  large,  of  most  of 
the  important  tribes.  Thus  the  most  intelligent  of  the  race  from  the  most  distant  and 
farthest  separated  localities  were  here  in  considerable  numbers  for  weeks,  and  indeed, 
in  some  cases,  months,  and,  together  with  their  interpreters  and  agents,  were,  by  the 
considerate  order  of  the  honorable  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  placed  at  the  disposal  of 
this  Bureau  for  all  purposes  of  gathering  ethnologic  information.  The  facilities  thus 
obtained  were  much  greater  than  could  have  been  enjoyed  by  a  large  number  of  observ 
ers  traveling  for  a  long  time  over  the  continent  for  the  same  express  purpose.  The 
observations  relating  to  signs  were  all  made  here  by  the  same  persons,  according  to  a 
uniform  method,  in  which  the  gestures  were  obtained  directly  from  the  Indians,  and 
their  meaning  (often  in  itself  clear  from  the  context  of  signs  before  known)  was  trans 
lated  sometimes  through  the  medium  of  English  or  Spanish,  or  an  aboriginal  language 
known  in  common  by  some  one  or  more  of  the  Indians  and  by  some  one  of  the  observ 
ers.  When  an  interpreter  was  employed,  he  translated  the  words  used  by  an  Indian, 
and  was  not  relied  upon  to  explain  the  signs  according  to  his  own  ideas.  Such  transla 
tions  and  a  description  of  minute  and  rapidly-executed  signs,  dictated  at  the  moment 
of  their  exhibition,  were  sometimes  taken  down  by  a  phonographer,  that  there  might 
be  no  lapse  of  memory  in  any  particular,  and  in  many  cases  the  signs  were  made  in 
successive  motions  before  the  camera,  and  prints  secured  as  certain  evidence  of  their 
accuracy.  Not  only  were  more  than  one  hundred  Indians  thus  examined  individually, 
at  leisure,  but,  on  occasions,  several  of  different  tribes,  who  had  never  before  met  each 
other,  were  examined  at  the  same  time,  both  by  inquiry  of  individuals  whose  answers 
were  consulted  upon  by  all  the  Indians  present,  and  also  by  inducing  several  of  the 
Indians  to  engage  in  talk  and  story-telling  in  signs  between  themselves.  Thus  it  was 
possible  to  notice  the  difference  in  the  signs  made  for  the  same  objects  and  the  degree 
of  mutual  comprehension  notwithstanding  such  differences.  Similar  studies  were  made 
by  taking  the  Indians  to  the  National  Deaf  Mute  College  and  bringing  them  in  contact 
with  the  pupils. 

By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  actual  work  of  the  observation  and  record  of  the 
signs  obtained  at  Washington  has  been  ably  performed  by  Dr.  W.  J.  HOFFMAN,  the 
assistant  of  the  present  editor.  Dr.  Hoffman  acquired  in  the  West,  through  his  service 
as  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  at  a  large  reservation,  the  indispen 
sable  advantage  of  becoming  acquainted  with  the  Indian  character  so  as  to  conduct 
such  researches  as  that  in  question,  and  in  addition  has  the  eye  and  pencil  of  an  artist, 
so  that  he  catches  readily,  describes  with  physiological  accuracy,  and  reproduces  in 
action  and  in  permanent  illustration  all  shades  of  gesture  exhibited.  It  is  therefore 
believed  that  the  collection  made  here  will  be  valuable  for  comparison  with  and  to 
supplement  those  obtained  during  the  same  months  in  the  field. 

I  remain,  with  renewed  official  and  personal  thanks  and  much  regard, 
Sincerely  your  friend, 

GAEKICK  MALLERY. 


8 
NOTE  SPECIALLY  ADDRESSED  TO  CORRESPONDENTS  IN  FOREIGN  COUNTRIES. 

The  present  paper  is  a  further  step  in  the  general  line  of  research  indicated  in  the 
"Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Sign  Language  among  the  North  American  Indians," 
&c.,  in  which  the  study  of  these  signs  was  suggested  as  important  to  illustrate  the  gest 
ure  speech  of  mankind.  Its  contents  may  be  useful  to  collaborators  in  all  parts  of  the 
world,  both  to  facilitate  description  by  annotated  reference  and  in  suggestion  as  regards 
modes  of  observation.  It  may  also  give  assurance  of  thorough  and  painstaking  work 
at  this  Bureau  for  the  final  collation,  in  the  form  of  a  vocabulary,  of  all  authentic  signs, 
ancient  and  modern,  found  in  any  part  of  the  world,  with  their  description,  as  also  that 
of  associated  facial  expression,  set  forth  in  language  so  clear  that,  with  the  assistance 
of  copious  illustrations,  they  can  be  reproduced  by  the  reader.  The  success  of  this 
undertaking  will  depend  upon  the  collaboration,  now  and  before  requested,  of  many 
persons  of  several  classes.  The  present  paper  shows  that  arrangements  have  already 
been  made  probably  sufficient  to  procure  all  the  gesture-signs  of  the  aboriginal  tribes 
of  this  country  which  can  still  be  rescued  from  oblivion.  The  conventional  signs  of 
deaf-mutes  in  institutions  for  their  instruction  are  accessible  to  the  present  writer,  who 
also  has  obtained  a  large  number  of  the  natural  signs  of  deaf-mutes  invented  by  them 
before  systematic  instruction,  and  used  in  intercourse  with  their  families  and  friends. 
More  of  these  would,  however,  be  gladly  received.  Further  assistance  is  urgently 
sought  from  philologists,  travelers,  and  missionaries,  whose  attention  has  been  directed 
to  the  several  modes  of  expressing  human  thought. 

The  efforts  at  intercommunication  of  all  savage  and  barbaric  tribes,  when  brought 
into  contact  with  other  bodies  of  men  not  speaking  an  oral  language  common  to  both, 
and  especially  when  uncivilized  inhabitants  of  the  same  territory  are  separated  by 
many  linguistic  divisions,  should  in  theory  resemble  the  devices  of  the  North  American 
Indians.  They  are  not  shown  by  published  works  to  prevail  in  the  Eastern  hemisphere 
to  the  same  extent  and  in  the  same  manner  as  in  North,  and  also,  as  believed  from 
less  complete  observation,  in  South  America.  It  is,  however,  probable  that  they 
exist  in  many  localities,  though  not  reported,  and  also  that  some  of  them  survive  after 
partial  or  even  high  civilization  has  been  attained,  and  after  changed  environment  has 
rendered  their  systematic  employment  unnecessary.  Such  signs  may  be,  first,  uncon 
nected  with  existing  oral  language,  and  used  in  place  of  it ;  second,  may  be  used  to 
explain  or  accentuate  the  words  of  ordinary  speech,  or  may  consist  of  gestures,  emo 
tional  or  not,  which  are  only  noticed  in  oratory  or  impassioned  conversation,  such 
being,  possibly,  survivals  of  a  former  gesture-language. 

All  classes  of  gestures  may  be  examined  philologically  to  trace  their  possible  con 
nection  with  the  radicals  of  language,  syllabaries,  and  ideographic  characters.  Evi 
dence  has  accumulated  to  show  that  the  language  of  signs  preceded  in  importance  that 
of  sounds,  the  latter  remaining  rudimentary  long  after  gesture  had  become  an  art. 
The  early  connection  between  them  was  so  intimate  that  gestures,  in  the  wide  sense  of 
presenting  ideas  under  physical  forms,  had  a  formative  eH'eet  upon  many  words,  thus  show 
ing  that  language  originated  partly,  at  least,  from  the  sounds  which  naturally  accompany 
certain  gestures.  It  seems  certain  that  the  latter  exhibit  the  earliest  condition  of  the 
human  mind,  and  that  mainly  through  them  was  significance  communicated  to  speech. 

Even  if  the  more  material  and  substantive  relations  between  signs  and  language 
cannot  now  be  ascertained,  we  may  at  least  expect,  from  the  inquiries  suggested,  lin- 


9 

guistic  results  in  the  analogy  between  their  several  developments.  The  mental  pro 
cesses  are  nearly  the  same  in  both  cases,  and  the  psychology  of  language  may  be 
studied  in  the  older  and  lower  means  of  communication  as  the  physical  and  mental 
organization  of  man  has  been  profitably  compared  with  that  of  the  lower  animals. 
The  examination  of  signs  and  of  picture-writing,  which  is  intimately  associated  with 
them,  throws  light  upon  the  grammatic  machinery  of  language,  the  syntactic  prin 
ciple,  and  the  genesis  of  the  sentence.  Not  until  a  large  body  of  facts  has  been  gath 
ered  by  several  classes  of  observers,  and  compared  by  competent  scholars,  can  it  be 
possible  to  ascertain  with  precision  the  principles  of  the  primitive  utterance  of  man 
kind.  An  exhaustive  treatment  of  the  subject  will  also  bring  to  light  religious,  socio- 
logic,  and  other  ethnologic  information  of  special  interest.  It  is  in  this  work  that  the 
Bureau  of  Ethnology  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  solicits  the  co-operation  of  learned 
men  and  observers  in  all  lands,  whose  contributions,  when  received,  will  always  be 
published  with  individual  credit  as  well  as  responsibility. 

G.  M. 
2 


LIST  OF  AUTHORITIES  AND  COLLABORATORS. 


1.  A  list  prepared  by  WILLIAM  DUNBAR,  dated  Xatchez,  June  30,  1800,  collected 
from  tribes  then  "  west  of  the  Mississippi,"  but  probably  not  from  those  very  far  west  of 
that  river,  published  in  the  Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  vol. 
vi,  as  read  January  16,  1801,  and  communicated  by  Thomas  Jefferson,  president  of  the 
society. 

2.  The  one  published  in  "An  Account  of  an  Expedition  from  Pittsburgh  to  the 
Kocky  Mountains,  performed  in  the  years  1819-1820.     By  order  of  the  Hon.  J.  C.  Cal- 
houn,  Secretary  of  War.  under  the  command  of  Maj.  S.  H.  LONG,  of  the  United  States 
Topographical  Engineers."    Philadelphia,  1823.     (Commonly  called  James'  Long's  Ex 
pedition.)     This  appears  to  have  been  collected  chiefly  by  Mr.  T.  Say,  from  the  Pani, 
and  the  Kansas,  Otos,  Missouris,  lowas,  Oinahas,  and  other  southern  branches  of  the 
great  Dakota  family. 

3.  The  one  collected  by  Prince  MAXIMILIAN  von  WIED-NEUWIED  in  1832-'34.    His 
statement  is  "the  Arikaras,  Mandaus,  Miiinitarris  [Hidatsa],  Crows  [Absaroka],  Chey- 
ennes,  Snakes  [Shoshoni],  and  Blackfeet  [Satsika]  all  understand  certain  signs,  which, 
on  the  contrary,  as  we  are  told,  are  unintelligible  to  the  Dakotas,  Assiniboins,  Ojibwas, 
Krihs  [Crees],  and  other  nations.    The  list  gives  examples  of  the  sign  language  of  the 
former."  From  the  much  greater  proportion  of  time  spent  and  information  obtained  by 
the  author  among  the  Mandans  and  Hidatsa  then  and  now  dwelling  near  Fort  Berthold, 
on  the  Upper  Missouri,  it  might  be  safe  to  consider  that  all  the  signs  in  his  list  were  in 
fact  procured  from  those  tribes.    But  as  the  author  does  not  say  so,  he  is  not  made  to 
say  so  in  this  work.    If  it  shall  prove  that  the  signs  now  used  by  the  Mandans  and 
Hidatsa  more  closely  resemble  those  on  his  list  than  do  those  of  other  tribes,  the  inter 
nal  evidence  will  be  verified.    This  list  is  not  published  in  the  English  edition,  but 
appears  in  the  German,  Coblenz,  1839,  and  in  the  French,  Paris,  1840.    Bibliographic 
reference  is  often  made  to  this  distinguished  explorer  as  "Prince  Maximilian,"  as  if 
there  were  but  one  possessor  of  that  Christian  name  among  princely  families.    For 
brevity  the  reference  in  this  paper  will  be  "  Wied." 

^o  translation  of  this  list  into  English  appears  to  have  been  printed  in  any  shape 
before  that  recently  published  by  the  present  editor  in  the  American  Antiquarian,  vol. 
ii,  No.  3,  while  the  German  and  French  editions  are  costly  and  difficult  of  access,  so 
the  collection  cannot  readily  be  compared  by  observers  with  the  signs  now  made  by 
the  same  tribes.  The  translation  now  presented  is  based  upon  the  German  original, 

11 


12 

but  in  a  few  cases  whore  the  language  was  so  curt  as  not  to  give  a  clear  idea,  was  col 
lated  with  the  French  edition  of  the  succeeding  year,  which,  from  some  internal  evi 
dence,  appears  to  have  been  published  with  the  assistance  or  supervision  of  the  author. 
Many  of  the  descriptions  are,  however,  so  brief  and  indefinite  in  both  their  German  and 
French  forms  that  they  necessarily  remain  so  in  the  present  translation.  The  princely 
explorer,  with  the  keen  discrimination  shown  in  all  his  work,  doubtless  observed  what 
has  escaped  many  recent  reporters  of  aboriginal  signs,  that  the  latter  depend  much 
more  upon  motion  than  mere  position— and  are  generally  large  and  free — seldom 
minute.  His  object  was  to  express  the  general  etfect  of  the  motion  rather  than  to 
describe  it  so  as  to  allow  of  its  accurate  reproduction  by  a  reader  who  had  never  seen 
it.  For  the  latter  purpose,  now  very  desirable,  a  more  elaborate  description  would 
have  been  necessary,  and  even  that  would  not  in  all  cases  have  been  sufficient  without 
pictorial  illustration. 

On  account  of  the  manifest  importance  of  determining  the  prevalence  and  persist 
ence  of  the  signs  as  observed  half  a  century  ago,  an  exception  is  made  to  the  general 
arrangement  hereafter  mentioned  by  introducing  after  the  Wiwl  signs,  remarks  of  col 
laborators  who  have  made  special  comparisons,  and  adding  to  the  latter  the  respective 
names  of  those  collaborators — as  (M<ittheics)-(Boteler).  It  is  hoped  that  the  work  of 
these  gentlemen  will  be  imitated  not  only  regarding  the  Wied  signs  but  many  others. 

4.  That  of  Capt.  R.  F.  BURTON,  of  signs  which,  it  would  be  inferred,  were  collected 
in  1860-'61  from  the  tribes  met  or  learned  of  by  him  on  the  overland  stage  route, 
including  Southern  Dakotas,  Utes,  Shoshoni,  Arapahos,  Crows,  Pani,  and  Apaches. 
This  is  contained  in  "  The  City  of  the  Saints,"  New  York,  180U. 

Information  is  recently  received  to  the  effect  that  this  collection  was  not  made  by 
the  distinguished  English  explorer  from  his  personal  observation,  but  was  obtained  by 
him  from  one  man,  a  Mori  nan  bishop,  who,  it  is  feared,  gave  his  own  ideas  of  the  usage 
of  signs  rather  than  their  simple  description. 

5.  A  list  read  by  Dr.  D.  G.  MACGOWAN,  at  a  meeting  of  the  American  Ethnological 
Society,  Jan.  23, 1866,  and  published  in  the  "Historical  Magazine,"  vol.  x,  1866,  p.  86-87, 
purporting  to  be  the  signs  of  the  Caddos,  Wichitas,  and  Comanches. 

6.  A  communication  from  Brevet  Col.  RICHARD  I.  DODGE,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Twenty-third  Infantry,  United   States  Army,  author  of  "  The   Plains  of  the  Great 
West  and  their  Inhabitants,"  &c.,  relating  to  his  large  experience  with  the  Indians  of 
the  prairies.    Colonel  Dodge,  now  on  active  duty,  has  been  requested  to  assign  his 
general  descriptions  to  the  tribe  or  tribes  in  which  the  signs  were  actually  observed  by 
him,  and  should  such  designation  arrive,  while  the  VOCABULARY  is  passing  through  the 
press,  they  will  be  classified  accordingly.     He  is  also  preparing  a  larger  contribution. 

NOTICE. 

In  the  six  collections  above  mentioned  the  generality  of  the  statements  as  to 
locality  of  the  observation  and  use  of  the  signs,  rendered  it  impossible  to  arrange 
them  in  the  manner  explained  in  the  "  Introductory  Letter"  hereto.  They  will  therefore 
be  referred  to  in  the  VOCABULARY  by  the  names  of  the  authors  responsible  for  them. 
•Those  which  now  follow  are  arranged  alphabetically  by  tribes,  under  headings  of  Lin 
guistic  Families,  which  are  also  given  below  in  alphabetical  order.  Example:  The 
first  authority  is  under  the  heading  ALGONKIAN,  and,  concerning  only  the  Arapaho 
tribe,  is  referred  to  as  (Arapaho  I),  Lieutenant  LEMLY  being  the  personal  authority. 


13 

^References  to  another  title- word  as  explaining  a  part  of  a  description  or  to  supply  any 
other  portions  of  a  compound  sign  will  always  be  understood  as  being  made  to  the 
description  by  the  same  authority  of  the  sign  under  the  other  title-word.  Example: 
In  the  sign  for  Advance  and  Retreat  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I)  the  reference  to 
Battle  is  to  that  sign  for  Battle  which  is  contributed  by  Dr.  MATTHEWS,  and  is 
referred  to  under  that  title  as  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  1). 

ALGONKIAN. 

Arapaho  I.  A  contribution  from  Lieut.  H.  E.  LEMLY,  Third  United  States  Artillery, 
compiled  from  notes  and  observations  taken  by  him  in  1877  among  the  Northern  Ara- 
pahos. 

Cheyenne  I.  A  list  prepared  in  July,  1879,  by  Mr.  FRANK  H.  GUSHING,  of  the 
Smithsonian  Institution,  from  continued  interviews  with  TITCHKEMATSKI  (Cross  Eyes), 
an  intelligent  Cheyenne,  then  employed  at  that  Institution.  It  is  expected  that  Mr. 
Cushing  will  make  other  contributions,  especially  from  the  Zuni  and  other  Pueblos, 
among  whom  he  has  been  collecting  material  during  the  past  year. 

Cheyenne  II.  A  special  contribution  with  diagrams  from  Mr.  BEN  CLARK,  scout  and 
interpreter,  of  signs  collected  from  the  Cheyennes  during  his  long  residence  among  that 
tribe. 

Ojibica  I.  The  small  collection  of  J.  G.  KOHL,  made  about  the  middle  of  the  pres 
ent  century,  among  the  Ojibwas  around  Lake  Superior.  Published  in  his  "  Kitchigami. 
Wanderings  around  Lake  Superior,"  London,  1800. 

Ojibwa  II.  Notes  from  Very  Eev.  EDWARD  JACKER,  Pointe  St.  Ignace,  Mich., 
respecting  the  Ojibwa. 

Ojibica  III.  A  communication  from  Eev.  JAMES  A.  GILFJLLAN,  White  Earth,  Minn., 
relating  to  signs  observed  among  the  Ojibwas  during  his  long  period  of  missionary  duty, 
still  continuing. 

Ojibwa  IV.  A  list  from  Mr.  B.  O.  WILLIAMS,  Sr.,  of  Owosso,  Mich.,  from  recollec 
tion  of  signs  observed  among  the  Ojibwas  of  Michigan  sixty  years  ago. 

$ac,  -Foj?,  and  Kickapoo  I.  A  list  from  Eev.  H.  F.  BUCKNER,  D.  D.,  of  Eufaula,  Ind. 
T.,  consisting  chiefly  of  tribal  signs  observed  by  him  among  the  Sac  and  Fox,  Kicka- 
poos,  &c.,  during  the  early  part  of  the  year  1880. 

DAKOTAN. 

Absaroka  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  DEEKITSHIS  (Pretty  Eagle),  ETSHIDI- 
KAHOTSHKI  (Long  Elk),  and  PERITSHIKADIA  (Old  Crow),  members  of  a  delegation  of 
Absaroka  or  Crow  Indians  from  Montana  Territory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C., 
during  the  mouths  of  April  and  May,  1880. 

Dakota  I.  A  comprehensive  list,  arranged  with  great  care  and  skill,  from  Dr. 
CHARLES  E.  MCCHESNEY,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  of  signs 
collected  among  the  Dakotas  (Sioux)  near  Fort  Bennett,  Dakota,  during  the  last 
winter  and  spring.  Dr.  MCCHESNEY  requests  that  recognition  should  be  made  of  the 
valuable  assistance  rendered  to  him  by  Mr.  WILLIAM  FIELDEN,  the  interpreter  at 
Cheyenne  Agency,  Dakota  Territory. 

Dakota  II.   A  short  list  from  Dr.  BLAIR  D.  TAYLOR,  assistant  surgeon,  United 


14 

States  Army,  from  recollection  of  signs  observed  among  the  Sioux  during  his  late 
service  in  the  region  inhabited  by  that  tribe. 

Dakota  III.  A  special  contribution  from  Capt.  A.  W.  CORLISS,  Eighth  United 
States  Infantry,  of  signs  observed  by  him  during  his  late  service  among  the  Sioux. 

Dakota  IV.  A  copious  contribution  with  diagrams  from  Dr.  WILLIAM  H.  CORBU- 
s  i  K  K.  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  of  signs  obtained  from  the  Ogalala  Sioux 
at  Pine  Kidge  Agency,  Dakota  Territory,  during  1870-'80. 

Dakota  V.  A  report  of  Dr.  W.  J.  HOFFMAN,  from  observations  among  the  Tetoii 
Dakotas  while  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  and  stationed  at  Grand 
River  Agency,  Dakota,  during  1872-'73. 

Dakota  VI.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  PEZH!  (Grass),  chief  of  the  Blackfoot 
Sioux;  NAZULATANKA  (Big  Head),  chief  of  the  Upper  Yanktonais;  and  TSHITOUAKIA 
(Thunder  Hawk),  chief  of  the  Uncpapas,  Teton  Dakotas,  located  at  Standing  Rock, 
Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  June,  1880. 

Dakota  VII.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  SH^NGKA  LtJTA  (Red  Dog),  an  Ogalala 
chief  from  the  Red  Cloud  Agency,  who  visited  Washington  in  company  with  a  large 
delegation  of  Dakotas  in  June,  1880. 

Bidatm  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  TSHESHACHADACHISH  (Lean  Wolf), 
chief  of  the  Hidatsa,  located  at  Fort  Berthold,  Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washing 
ton,  D.  C.,  with  a  delegation  of  Sioux  Indians  in  June,  1880. 

Mantlan  and  Hidatsa  I.  A  discriminating  and  illustrated  contribution  from  Dr. 
WASHINGTON  MATTHEWS,  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  author  of  "Ethnog 
raphy  and  Philology  of  the  Hidatsa  Indians,"  &c.,  lately  prepared  from  his  notes  and 
recollections  of  signs  observed  during  his  long  service  among  the  Mandan  and  Hi 
datsa  Indians  of  the  Upper  Missouri. 

Omaha  I.  A  special  list  from  Rev.  J.  OWEN  DORSET,  missionary  at  Omaha  Agency, 
Nebraska,  from  observations  lately  made  by  him  at  that  agency.  ^ 

Oto  I.  An  elaborate  list,  with  diagrams,  from  Dr.  W.  C.  BOTELER,  United  States 
Indian  service,  collected  from  the  Otos  at  the  Oto  Agency,  Nebraska,  during  1879-'80. 

Oto  and  Missouri  I.  A  similar  contribution  by  the  same  author  respecting  the  signs 
of  the  Otos  and  Missouris,  of  Nebraska,  collected  during  the  winter  of  1879-'80,  in  the 
description  of  many  of  which  he  has  been  joined  by  Miss  KATIE  BARNES. 

Ponka  I.  A  short  list  from  Rev.  J.  OWEN  DORSEY,  lately  obtained  by  him  from 
the  Ponkas  in  Nebraska. 

IROQUOIAN. 

Iroquois  I.  A  list  of  signs  contributed  by  the  Hon.  HORATIO  HALE,  author  of 
"Philology"  of  the  Wilkes  Exploring  Expedition,  &c.,  now  residing  at  Clinton,  Ontario, 
Canada,  obtained  in  June,  1880,  from  SAKAYENKWARATON  (Disappearing  Mist),  famil 
iarly  known  as  John  Smoke  Johnson,  chief  of  the  Canadian  division  of  the  Six  Nations 
or  Iroquois  proper,  now  a  very  aged  man,  residing  at  Brantford,  Canada. 

Wyandot  1.  A  list  of  signs  from  HENTO  (Gray  Eyes),  chief  of  the  Wyandots,  who 
visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  during  the  spring  of  1880,  in  the  interest  of  that  tribe,  now 
located  in  Indian  Territory. 

KAIOWAN. 

Kaiotra  I.  A  list  of  signs  from  SITTIMGEA  (Stumbling  Bear),  a  Kaiowa  chief  from 
Indian  'IVrritory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  June,  1880. 


KUTINEAN. 


Kutine  I.  A  letter  from  J.  W.  POWELL,  Esq.,  Indian  superintendent,  British  Colum 
bia,  relating  to  his  observations  among  the  Kutiue  and  others. 


PANIAN. 


Arikara  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  KUANUCHKNAUIUCH  (Son  of  the  Star), 
chief  of  the  Arikaras,  located  at  Fort  Berthold,  Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washing 
ton,  D.  C.,  with  a  delegation  of  Indians  in  June,  1880. 


SAHAPTIAN. 

Sdhaptin  I.  A  list  contributed  by  Rev.  G.  L.  DEFFENBAUGH,  of  Lapwai,  Idaho, 
giving  signs  obtained  at  Kainiah,  Idaho,  chiefly  from  FELIX,  chief  of  the  Nez  Perec's, 
and  used  by  the  Sahaptin  or  Nez  Perec's. 

SHOSHONIAN. 

Comanche  I.  Notes  from  Rev.  A.  J.  HOLT,  Deuison,  Texas,  respecting  the  Coman- 
che  signs,  obtained  at  Anadarko,  Indian  Territory. 

Comanche  II.  Information  obtained  at  Washington,  in  February,  1880,  from  Maj. 
J.  M.  HAWORTH,  Indian  inspector,  relating  to  signs  used  by  the  Comanches  of  Indian 
Territory. 

Comanche  III.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  KOBI  (Wild  Horse),  a  Comanche  chief 
from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  June,  1880. 

Pai-  Vie  I.  Information  obtained  at  Washington  from  N!TSHES,  a  Pai-Ute  chief, 
who  was  one  of  a  delegation  of  that  tribe  to  Washington  in  January,  1880. 

Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  TENDOY  (The  Climber), 
TISIDIMIT,  PETE,  and  UIAGAT,  members  of  a  delegation  of  Shoshoni  and  Banak  chiefs 
from  Idaho,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  during  the  months  of  April  and  May,  1880. 

Ute  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  ALEJANDRO,  GALOTE,  AUGUSTIN,  and  other 
chiefs,  members  of  a  delegation  of  Ute  Indians  of  Colorado,  who  visited  Washington, 
D.  C.,  during  the  early  months  of  the  year  1880. 

TINNEAN. 

Apache  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  HUERITO  (Little  Blonde),  AGUSTIN  VIJEL, 
and  SANTIAGO  LARGO  (James  Long),  members  of  a  delegation  of  Apache  chiefs  from 
Tierra  Amarilla,  New  Mexico,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  the  mouths  of  March 
and  April,  1880. 

Apache  II.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  NAKANANITAIN  (White  Man),  an  Apache 
chief  from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington  in  June,  1880. 

Apache  III.  A  large  collection  made  during  the  present  summer  by  Dr.  FRANCIS  H. 
ATKINS,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  from  the  Mescalero  Apache, 
near  South  Fork,  New  Mexico.  This  MS.  was  received  after  the  whole  of  the  VOCABU 
LARY  had  gone  to  the  printer,  and  a  large  part  actually  printed,  so  it  was  not  possible 
to  insert  all  of  the  descriptions  in  the  present  edition.  The  interesting  "Narrative" 
communicated  by  Dr.  ATKINS  is  printed  with  similar  matter  following  the  VOCABULARY. 


16 

WICHITAN. 

Wichita  I.  A  list  of  signs  from  Rev.  A.  J.  HOLT,  missionary,  obtained  from  KIN 
CHE-fiss  (Spectacles),  Medicine-man  of  the  Wichitas,  at  the  Wichita  Agency,  Indian 
Territory,  in  1879. 

Wichita  It.  A  list  of  signs  from  TsoDiiKO  (Shaved  Head  Boy),  a  Wichita  chief, 
from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  June,  1880. 

ZUSflAN. 

Ztuli  I.  Some  preliminary  notes  lately  received  from  Rev.  TAYLOR  F.  EALY,  mis 
sionary  among  the  Zufii,  upon  the  signs  of  that  body  of  Indians. 

Grateful  acknowledgment  must  be  made  to  Prof.  E.  A.  FAY,  of  the  National  Deaf 
Mute  College,  through  whose  special  attention  a  large  number  of  the  natural  signs  of 
deaf-mutes,  remembered  by  them  as  having  been  invented  and  used  before  instruction 
in  conventional  signs,  indeed  before  attending  any  school,  was  obtained,  which  are 
printed  in  this  paper.  The  gentlemen  who  made  the  contributions  in  their  own  MS., 
and  without  prompting,  are  as  follows:  Messrs.  M.  BALLARD,  R.  M.  ZEIGLER,  J.  CROSS, 

PHILIP  J.  HASENSTAB, LARSON.  Their  names  will  follow  the  several  descriptions. 

Mr.  BALLARD  is  now  the  teacher  in  the  primary  school  of  the  college,  and  the  other 
gentlemen  were  students  during  the  last  session. 

Special  thanks  are  also  rendered  to  Prof.  JAMES  D.  BUTLER,  of  Madison,  Wis.,  for 
contribution  of  Italian  gesture-signs,  noted  by  him  in  1843,  and  for  many  useful  sug 
gestions. 

A  small  collection  of  AUSTRALIAN  signs  has  been  extracted  from  The  Aborigines  of 
Victoria,  by  R.  BROUGH  SMYTH,  vol.  ii,  pp.  4-5,  308-9.  London,  1878.  Upon  these 
the  author  makes  the  following  curious  remarks :  "  It  is  believed  that  they  have  sev 
eral  signs,  known  only  to  themselves,  or  to  those  among  the  whites  who  have  had 
intercourse  with  them  for  lengthened  periods,  which  convey  information  readily  and 
accurately.  Indeed,  because  of  their  use  of  signs,  it  is  the  linn  belief  of  many  (some 
uneducated  and  some  educated)  that  the  natives  of  Australia  are  acquainted  with  the 
secrets  of  Freemasonry." 


VOCABULARY. 


Abide.    See  Stay. 

Above. 

Place  the  right  hand,  by  an  ascending  motion,  upon  the  left  hand, 
both  extended,  fingers  joined  and  palms  down.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Point  with  fore  finger  of  right  hand  raised  from  the  side  to  the  heav 
ens  above  with  extended  arm  quickly.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Thumb  and  forefingers  of  both  hands  extended,  pointing  upright 
(other  fingers  closed)  in  front  of  body,  level  of  breast,  back  of  hand 
outward,  and  then  held  in  this  position,  left  hand  outside  of  and  higher 
than  the  right.  The  sign  can  also  be  made  with  one  hand,  by  moving 
it  after  being  held  at  the  lower  height  to  the  higher  one,  and  holding  it 
there  a  short  time.  (Dakota  I.)  "Superior  height — one  person  or  thing 
above  another." 

With  the  back  of  the  hand  toward  the  right,  the  fingers  bent  at  right 
angles  with  the  palm  and  pointing  toward  the  left,  push  the  right  hand 
from  in  front  of  the  chin  upward  until  it  is  a  little  higher  than  the  head. 

(Dakota  IV.) 

Eaise  the  hand  very  quickly  above  the  head,  palm  to  the  front,  and 
a  little  back  of  the  head.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  right  hand,  with  the  index  only  extended,  is  elevated  before  the 
head.  (Comanche  I.) 

The  left  flat  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  body  at  the  height  of  the 
elbow,  palm  down,  the  right  similarly  placed,  over,  and  a  little  higher 
than  the  left.  To  express  greater  elevation  the  right  hand  is  raised. 

(Utel.) 

A  little. 

Hold  the  left  hand  horizontal  and  in  front  of  the  body,  fingers  open 
but  joined  together,  palm  upward.  The  right  hand  is  then  placed  hori 
zontal,  fingers  open  but  joined,  palm  downward,  an  inch  or  more  above 
the  left,  and  raised  or  lowered  a  few  inches  several  times,  the  left  hand 
being  perfectly  still.  (Dodge.) 
3 


18 

Above,  considerably. 

Place  tlie  hands  as  in  Above,  a  little,  then  raise  the  right  hand 
higher  and  higher,  as  the  height  to  be  expressed  is  greater,  until,  if 
enormously  above,  the  right  hand  is  raised  as  high  as  possible ;  fixing 
the  eyes  toward  the  zenith,  emit  a  duplicate  grunt,  the  more  prolonged 
the  greater  the  height  is  expressed.  The  left  hand  must  continue 
motionless  during  all  this.  (Dodge.) 

Ache.    See  Pain. 

Across. 

Pass  the  hand,  flattened  and  either  partially  or  entirely  extended, 
from  the  breast,  forward,  upward,  and  downward,  forming  an  arch  to 
the  front.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

On  the  other  side  of. 

Elevate  the  left  fist  palm  down  before  the  face,  and  pass  the  flat  and 
extended  right  across  the  back  of  the  left  beginning  at  the  thumb,  slid 
ing  it  down  on  the  outer  side  so  as  to  turn  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the 
right  nearly  in  toward  the  palm  of  the  left.  ( Ute  I.) 

Add  to;  to  put  in  some  more;  to  add  or  put  to.   (Compare 

Counting*) 

With  right  hand  make  downward  motion  as  though  to  take  up  some 
thing  ;  (2)  move  suddenly  over  to  left  as  though  depositing  the  some 
thing  in  it ;  to  add  one,  the  three  first  fingers  are  clasped  down  by  the 
thumb.  To  add  two,  the  little  and  third  finger  extended.  To  add  three, 
the  little  and  middle  fingers  extended.  To  add  four,  all  the  fingers  ex 
tended.  To  add  much,  many,  sign  as  before.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  in  front  of  body  scoop  fashion  with  back  of  hand 
downward,  then  with  the  right  hand  held  in  the  same  scoop  manner, 
with  palm  downward  make  a  sort  of  diving  motion  downward  and  out 
ward  and  lastly  inward  and  upward  to  the  left  hand,  as  though  gather 
ing  imaginary  objects  and  putting  them  in  the  left  hand.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Gathering  and  adding  to." 

With  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  pretend  to  pick  some 
imaginary  object  in  the  direction  of  the  locality  of  the  desired  object, 
placing  it  near  the  body,  and  repeating  the  gesture  several  times. 
(Dakota  VII.) 

Bring  the  point  of  the  extended  forefingers  together  before  the  breast. 
(Omaha  I.) 

Left  hand  extended  palm  downward  ( W).  Bring  right  hand  directly 
over  left  hand  downward,  and  let  the  right  hand  palm  downward  fall 
upon  the  back  of  the  extended  left  hand.  (Comanchel.)  "Piling  up 
furs." 


Admiration,  action  of  admiring* ;  surprise ;  wonder. 
(Compare  Pretty,  content.) 

Placing  the  hand  upon  the  mouth,  to  show  that  language  is  inadequate 
to  communicate  their  sensations.  (Long.) 

Hold  the  hollow  hand  for  some  time  before  the  mouth.  Perhaps  the 
idea  being  that  the  mouth,  widely  open  in  amazement,  is  concealed  be 
neath  it,  and  it  being  improper  to  display  emotion  or  admiration, 
the  open  mouth  is  concealed  by  the  hand.  (Ojibica  I.) 

(1)  Face  turned  to  the  right ;  (2)  eyebrows  elevated  and  contracted  5 
(3)  right  hand  lifted  with  fingers  carelessly  or  loosely  extended ;  (4) 
brought  iuddenly  toward  the^  mouth.  To  express  surprise  as  distinct 
from  admiration  make  the  following  sign :  Eyebrows  contracted  and 
elevated,  eyes  indicating  interest,  right  hand  fingers  outspread,  elevated 
to  side  and  front  of  eyes,  gently  oscillated.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Arms  are  crossed  in  front  of  body,  the  hands  (S)  pressing  against  the 
right  and  left  breasts,  which  pressure  is  alternately  relaxed  and  renewed. 
At  the  same  time  pleasure  is  expressed  by  facial  emotion.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Almost  involuntary  on  seeing  an  object  or  thing  they  admire." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Draw  one  palm  along  upon  the  other ;  then 
press  them  against  your  breast,  directly  opposite  the  heart,  making  at 
the  same  time  your  face  look  like  trying  to  kiss.  (Cross.) 

Adulation. 

Italian  sign. — The  inouth  kissing  the  hand — by  which  Job  described  a 
species  of  idolatry — is  a  species  of  adulation  practiced  by  every  cring 
ing  servant  in  Italy.  (Butler.) 

Advance  and  Retreat.    (Compare  Battle.) 

With  the  upright  hands  about  four  inches  apart,  palms  facing,  fingers 
separated  a  little  and  semi-flexed,  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  chest, 
while  all  the  fingers  are  in  motion,  move  the  left  hand  away  from  the 
right  about  four  inches  and  bend  it  backward  until  its  palm  looks 
obliquely  upward  toward  the  right,  and  at  the  same  time  throw  the  right 
hand  toward  it  and  partly  over  it ;  then  move  the  right  hand  away 
from  the  left  and  reverse  the  position  of  the  hands.  Repeat  this 
maneuver  several  times.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  hands  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Battle,  then  their  relations  to  one 
another  remaining  unchanged,  they  are  moved  alternately  from  side  to 
side  to  represent  the  alternate  advances  and  retreats  of  opposing  forces. 
(Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


20 

Alter.    See  Before.    (Cheyenne  II.) 
Affection.    See  Love. 
Affirmative.    See  Yes. 

Aged.    Old  man. 

Place  the  clinched  right  hand  in  front  of  the  shoulder,  a  foot  or  so 
from  it,  palm  to  the  left,  then  push  it  forward  a  few  inches,  drawing  it 
back  at  a  lower  level.  This  is  done  three  or  four  times,  and  the  body 
is  inclined  to  the  front  at  the  same  time.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  Grasping  a  staff  for  assistance  in  locomotion." 

Place  the  clinched  fist  in  front  of  and  nearly  as  high  as  the  shoul 
der,  then  push  it  forward  repeatedly,  drawing  it  back  at  a  lower  level 
(Dakota  VI.)  "  Imitatrs  walking  with  a  staff." 

Hold  the  right  fist  in  front  of  the  right  side  nearly  as  high  as  the 
shoulder,  move  it  forward  and  bring  it  back  a  little  lower,  repeating  the 
motion  several  times.  (KaimcaJ.',  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 
u  Walking  with  a  stall'."  «. 

Ahead.    See  Before. 
Air.    See  Wind. 
Alike.    See  Same. 

Alive. 

Right  tinger  whirled  upward.     (Macgowan.) 

The  right  hand,  back  upward,  is  to  be  at  the  height  of  the  elbow 
and  forward,  the  index  extended  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  fingers 
closed,  thumb  against  middle  finger;  then,  while  rotating  the  hand  out 
ward,  move  it  to  a  position  about  four  inches  in  front  of  the  face,  the 
back  looking  forward  and  the  index  pointing  upward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Just  alive,  almost  dead 

The  same  motion  as  for  Alive,  but  the  index  is  to  be  bent  and 
tli uml)  placed  against  the  palmar  surface  of  the  first  joint  of  the  index. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

All. 

Move  the  right  hand,  palm  downward,  in  a  large  circle,  horizontally, 
two  feet  in  front  of  the  face,  or  move  both  hands  in  the  same  manner. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Always;  forever. 

Pass  the  right  hand,  flat  and  extended,  edgewise  from  the  head  out 
ward  toward  the  right,  in  two  movements,  the  palm  at  last  pointing  to 
the  right.  The  eyes  are  directed  upward  at  the  same  time.  ( Wyandot  I.) 


21 

Make  the  sign  for  Time,  a  long-,  and  long1  ago.    (Comanche  III.) 
'•The  informant  was  requested  to  give  the  sign  for  the  above  word, 
out  as  none  was  known,  he  said  the  nearest  approach  to  the  idea  would 
be  expressed  by  making-  the  signs  meaning  long  ago,  a  long  time." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Earth,  the.     (Dakota  I.)    "Without end." 
American.    See  White  man. 

Among. 

Bring  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  nearly  together,  so  as 
to  form  an  interrupted  circle  having  a  diameter  of  an  inch  or  more,  then 
introduce  the  extended  index  as  far  as  the  second  joint.  (Kaiowa  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.}  "  In  the  midst  of  others" 

Anger.     (Compare  Bad  heart  and  $ad.) 

The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  with  the  ends  together  and 
near  the  breast,  then  turn  the  hand  round  two  or  three  times  so  as  to 
describe  vertical  circles,  indicating  that  the  heart  is  disturbed.  (Long.} 

Close  the  fist,  place  it  against  the  forehead,  and  turn  it  to  and  fro  in 
that  position.  (Burton.} 

( 1 )  Motion  as  if  to  touch  the  right  breast  with  the  right  hand  to  ex 
press  "self,"  "I;"  (2)  fingers  partially  closed,  thumb  resting  on  the 
tips  and  extending  across  the  hand;  (3)  sudden  motion  forward  and 
slightly  to  the  right ;  (4)  fingers  sprung  wide  open ;  (5)  rapidly  shaken 
to  and  fro.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "  Shaking  off,  deprecating." 

Close  the  right  hand  as  if  grasping  a  small  object,  hold  it  several 
inches  before  the  forehead,  and  twist  it  around  toward  the  left.  (Absa- 
roka.  I;  tfhoshoni  and  Banak  I) 

With  the  right  hand,  fist  (B  2)  raised  to  the  upper  part  of  the  face  in 
front,  strike  down  on  the  left  side  of  t  »e  body  to  t:ie  level  of  the  stom 
ach.  Very  miieh  angered,  repeat  tuis  movement  several  times, 
and  express  it  by  contraction  of  the  muscles  of  the  face.  ( Dakota  I.) 

The  elbow  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder,  then  strike  with 
the  fist  across  the  face  to  the  left,  the  face  expressing  impatience.  (Da- 
kota  III.) 

Touch  the  chest  over  the  heart  two  or  three  times  with  the  ends  of 
the  fingers  of  the  right  hand;  then  make  the  sign  for  bad.  (Dakota 
IV.)  '-Heart  bad." 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  in  type-position  (A),  brought  to  fore 
head  above  right  eye  and  twisted  spirally  from  right  to  left;  motion 
ending  with  fists  palm  outward.  (Oto  I.) 


22 

Close  the  right  hand  as  if  grasping  a  small  object,  place  it  to  the  fore 
head  palin  down,  then  twist  it  forcibly,  drawing  the  hand  slightly  to  the 
front  as  if  twisting  oft'  any  projection.  Another:  The  clinched  right 
hand  is  twisted  against  the  breastbone  instead  of  the  forehead. 
Another:  When  not  very  angry  the  index  is  slightly  bent  and  twisted 
before  the  forehead.  ( Utt  I.) 

With  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right  hand  collected  to  a  point, 
place  the  inner  side  of  the  hand  over  the  heart,  back  up.  (Kaiowa  I ; 
Comanchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Bring  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a 
point,  and  place  them  to  the  forehead  just  over  the  nasal  eminence. 
(Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Make  wrinkles  in  your  face  by  frowning  and 
shake  your  head.  (Cross.) 

Hide  the  face,  next  turn  the  head  to  another  side,  and  then  stretch 
down  the  open  hand  so  as  to  indicate  that  the  offender  should  be  out  of 
sight  immediately.  (Hasemtab.) 

Move  backward  and  suddenly  raise  the  hands  between  the  breast  with 
a  disagreeable  expression  of  the  face.  (Larson.) 

Move  the  lips  as  if  speaking  like  a- very  angry  man.     (Zeigler.) 

angry  with  you. 

Hand  closed,  right  index  extended  and  points  to  heart ;  then  sign  for 
auger;  then  right  index  points  to  the  individual  intended.  (Oto  I.) 
'k  The  mind  tumed  away." 

Antelope. 

Pass  the  open  right  hand  outward  from  the  small  of  the  back.  ( Wied.) 
This,  as  explained  by  Indians  examined  by  the  present  editor,  indicates 
the  lighter  coloration  upon  the  animal's  flanks.  The  Ute  who  could 
speak  Spanish  accompanied  it  with  the  word  bianco,  as  if  recognizing 
that  it  required  explanation. 

Extend  and  separate  the  forefingers  and  thumbs,  nearly  close  all  the 
other  fingers,  and  place  the  hands  with  backs  outward  above  and  a  little 
in  front  of  the  ears,  about  four  inches  from  the  head,  and  shake  them 
back  and  forth.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Antelope's  horns." 

With  the  index  only  extended  hold  the  hand  eighteen  or  twenty 
inches  transversely  in  front  of  the  head,  index  pointing  to  the  left,  then 
rub  the  sides  of  the  body  with  the  flat  hands.  (Dakota  VI.)  "The 
latter  sign  refers  to  the  white  sides  of  the  animal ;  the  former  could  not 
be  explained." 


23 

Close  the  right  haud,  leaving  the  end  of  the  index  in  the  form  of  a 
hook  and  the  thumb  partly  extended ;  then  wave  the  hand  quickly  back 
and  forth  a  short  distance,  opposite  the  temple.  (Hidatsa  I;  Ankara 
I.)  "Represents  the  pronged  horn  of  the  animal.  This  is  the  sign 
ordinarily  used,  but  it  was  noticed  that  in  conversing  with  one  of  the 
Dakotas  (VI)  the  sign  of  the  latter  was  used  several  times,  to  be  more 
readily  understood." 

Place  both  hands,  fingers  fully  extended  and  spread,  close  to  the  sides 
of  the  head.  WiecTs  sign  was  readily  understood  as  signifying  the 
white  flanks.  (Apache  I.) 

Arrive.    See  Come. 
Are  you?    See  Question. 

Arrow. 

Pass  the  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  several  times  across  the  left 
arm.  ( Wiecl.) 

Expressed  by  notching  it  upon  an  imaginary  bow  and  by  snapping 
with  the  index  and  niedius.  (Burton.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  extended,  pointing  upright  in  front  of  breast ; 
back  of  haud  out,  then  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  left  hand  (other 
fingers  loosely  closed)  rub  up  and  down  the  extended  forefinger  of  the 
right  hand  (straightening  the  arrow),  thumb  and  forefinger  on  opposite 
sides,  and  then  extend  the  left  hand  in  front  of  body  and  draw  the  right 
back  as  though  it  was  the  arrow  fixed  in  the  string  o.f  the  bow.  (Dako 
ta  I.)  "From  the  place  of  the  arrow  in  drawing  the  bow." 

Semi-flex  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  and  place  the  hand 
in  front  of  the  chest  with  its  palm  inclining  at  an  angle  of  45°  down 
ward  and  backward  and  toward  the  right;  draw  the  extended  right 
index,  its  back  forward  from  left  to  right  downward  and  backward  be 
tween  the  left  index  and  thumb  and  along  the  palm,  at  the  same  time 
bringing  the  ends  of  the  two  latter  -together.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Drawing 
an  arrow  out  of  the  hand  in  which  they  hold  their  arrows." 

Both  arms  are  flexed  as  in  position  to  shoot.  The  right  arm  is  drawn 
up  and  flexed  to  an  angle  of  45°,  with  hand  in  position  (E  1)  modified, 
by  palm  facing  the  body.  Left  arm  is  extended  from  body  about  one 
foot  and  bent,  with  elbow  horizontal  at  an  angle  of  80°.  Left  hand  is  in 
position  (G  1)  modified  by  reversing  hand.  The  sign  is  completed  by 
uniform  movement,  to  and  from,  as  of  swinging-arrow,  after  assuming 
above  positions.  (Oto  I.)  "  Clasping  string  and  pointing  arrow." 


24 

Hold  the  left  hand  as  high  as,  and  some  distance  in  front  of,  the  left 
breast,  back  forward,  hand  nearly  half  closed,  then  draw  the  extended 
index  downward  over  the  palm  of  the  left,  the  whole  distance  extruding 
about  twenty  inches.  (Kaioica  I;  Gomanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita 
II.)  "  Drawing  an  arrow  over  the  hand  as  in  pulling  the  bow-string-  to 
shoot." 

To  liit  with  an. 

Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  downward  upon  the  thumb,  then  snap 
them  forward ;  then  strike  the  hands  together  and  elevate  the  index 
finger  of  the  right  hand.  ( Wied.)  Probably  when  he  says  "  strike  the 
hands  together,"  he  wishes  to  describe  my  sign  for  Shot.  When  the 
person  whom  the  prince  saw  making  this  sign  raised  the  finger  he  may 
have  done  so  to  indicate  a  man  shot  or  one  shot.  I  do  not  think  that  the 
raising  of  the  finger  is  an  integral  part  of  the  sign.  (Matthetcs.) 

Pass  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (others  closed)  back  of 
hand  toward  the  right,  between  the  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  left 
hand,  held  about  18  inches  in  front  of  body,  back  of  hand  out,  horizon 
tal,  all  the  fingers  extended,  and  then  close  the  two  fingers  of  the  left 
hand  on  the  right  index.  (Dakota  I.)  "Arrow  sticking  in  the  target." 

After  making  the  sign  for  Bow  strike  the  back  of  the  right  hand, 
its  index  extended,  other  fingers  closed,  against  the  palm  of  the  opened 
left.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Bow,  but  with  this  addition:  that  after  the 
finger  has  snapped  from  the  thumb,  the  back  of  the  right  hand  is  struck 
against  the  palm  of  the  left.  (Dakota  V.) 

With  the  index  only,  extended  and  pointing  upward,  then  elevate  the 
left  hand  palm  toward  breast,  first  finger  separated  from  the  middle, 
pass  the  index  of  the  right  forcibly  forward  and  through  the  space  thus 
formed,  striking  the  knuckles  of  the  right  against  the  palm  of  the  left 
with  a  thud.  (Omaha  I.) 

To  kill  with  an. 

Extend  the  left  hand,  closed,  as  if  grasping  a  bow,  drawing  the  right 
back  toward  the  shoulder  from  the  left,  snap  the  first  two  fingers  of  the 
right  forward  from  the  thumb  and  throw  the  right  over,  toward  the 
right  and  downward.  (Utel.) 

To  shoot  with  bow  and. 

The  hands  are  placed  as  in  the  attitude  of  drawing  the  arrow  in  the 
bow  (this  is  also  the  sign  for  the  bow),  and  its  departure  is  indicated  by 
springing  the  fingers  from  the  thumbs,  as  in  the  act  of  sprinkling  water. 
(Long.) 


25 

Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  downward  upon  the  thumb,  then  snap 
them  forward.  ( Wied.)  I  believe  I  have  described  this  under  the  head 
of  Discharge  of  deadly  missile.  I  have  always  seen  the  same 
sign  made  for  shooting  both  bullet  and  arrow.  If  it  is  necessary  to 
distinguish  the  weapon,  it  can  be  done  by  appropriate  signs  in  addi 
tion  to  this.  (Matthews.}  The  left  arm  was  then  elevated,  slightly  bent 
at  elbow,  and  extended  from  the  body  as  in  holding  a  bow.  The  right 
arm  was  then  flexed,  and  the  hand,  in  position  (O  1 ),  inverted  as  hold 
ing  and  pulling  the  string ;  the  hands  are  thus  uniformly  swayed  to 
and  fro  several  times,  as  if  holding  the  arrow  in  situ  and  taking  an  aim. 
If  Wied's  sign  is  complete,  there  is  little  resemblance  to  the  sign  among 
the  Otos,  save  in  the  position  of  the  right  hand,  which  is  similar,  though 
inverted.  In  the  Oto  sign  the  distance  between  the  hands  would  indi 
cate  length  of  the  arrow,  which  is  not  shown  in  the  latter.  (Boteler.) 
"That  which  rests  in  the  string  and  bow." 

Make  the  sign  for  Bow,  then  right  hand  drawn  suddenly  back 
toward  right  shoulder,  fingers  of  both  hands  snapped  to  indicate  dis 
charge  of  arrow  and  twang  of  string.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Extend  the  left  arm  with  closed  hand  as  if  grasping  the  bow,  draw 
the  right  hand  back  toward  the  right  side  of  the  face  with  the  second 
finger  resting  against  the  thumb ;  then  allow  the  finger  to  spring  forward, 
move  it  in  the  direction  of  the  object  hit,  and  strike  the  backs  of  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  against  the  palm  of  the  left.  (Dakota  V.) 

Same  sign  as  Dakota  V.     (Dakota  VII.) 

Extend  the  left  hand  at  a  left  oblique,  the  thumb  and  middle  finger 
forming  £  circle,  bring  the  right  hand  back  to  the  right  breast,  and  flip 
the  fingers  of  both  hands  from  the  thumbs.  (Omaha  I.) 

Arrow-head. 

With  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand,  touch  the  tip  of  the  extended 
forefinger  of  the  left  hand  several  times.  ( Wied.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Arrow  and  then  place  the  right  thumb,  palm 
forward,  on  the  last  joint  of  the  left  index,  its  palm  inward,  the  other 
fingers  closed.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Ashamed. 

The  extended  right  hand,  palm  inwards,  is  passed  up  and  down  two  or 
three  times,  in  front  of  the  face  and  an  inch  or  two  from  it,  with  a  mod 
erately  rapid  motion.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


I  am. 


Cross  the  hands  in  front  of  the  face,  palms  backward,  the  right  behind 
the  left,  to  hide  the  face.     (Dakota  IV.) 
4 


26 


Hands  with  fingers  extended,  brought  together  in  front  of  the  body, 
palmar  surfaces  of  little  lingers  joined,  and  hands  sloping  obliquely  up 
ward  with  backs  looking  towards  the  sides,  extended  lingers  pointing  to 
the  front,  &c.  ;  i.  e.,  hands  held  in  imitation  of  a  straight  scoop,  then 
without  separating  the  hands  carry  them  forward  and  downward  with 
a  quick  upsetting  motion.  (Dakota  I.)  "Scooping  up  and  throwing 
away  ashes." 

Asleep  or  sleeping. 

Place  the  hands  open  over  the  face,  close  the  eyes  and  gently  press 
them  down,  at  same  time  gently  incline  the  head  and  body  to  the  right, 
until  attaining  an  angle  of  about  45°,  or  lower,  remain  in  that  position 
a  few  moments.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 


Ass.    See 
Assent.    See  Yes. 
Astonishment.    See  Surprise. 

Attention. 

Hold  the  right  hand  Hat  and  extended,  palm  down,  at  arm's  length 
and  directed  toward  the  person  addressed,  shaking  it  from  side  to  side 
several  times.  (Abmroka  I;  Shoslwni  and  Banak  I.) 

-  To  attract  a  person's  attention  previous  to  commencing  conversation 

The  right  hand  (T)  carried  directly  out  in  front  of  the  body,  with  arm 

fully  extended  and  there  moved  sidewise  with  rapid  motions.  (Dakota  I.) 

Aurora  borealis. 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  Ylooii  in  Irout  of  the  body,  at  the  level 
of  the  breast,  and  then  on  both  sides  of  it  at  the  same  time  make  «vith 
both  hands  the  sign  for  tire. 

This  requires  explanation.  The  Sioux  believe  the  northern  lights  to 
be  the  reflection  of  a  fire  built  on  either  side  of  the  moon  to  warm  it, 
(Dakota  I.) 

Autumn. 

With  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  right  hand  describe  a  crescent  (other 
fingers  closed),  back  of  closed  fingers  outward,  hand  carried  in  this  posi 
tion  from  above  and  to  the  left  of  the  head  in  front  of  body  toward  the 
right  and  downward  moderately  rapid  with  a  curved  and  small  up  and 
down  waving  motion  made  by  turning  the  forearm  and  hand  in  imita 
tion  of  a  leaf  carried  from  the  tree  by  a  slight  breeze.  (  Dakota  I.)  "  The 
falling  of  the  leaves." 


27 

Hold  the  left  hand  upright  iu  front  of  the  left  shoulder,  fingers  sepa 
rated  a  little  and  slightly  bent,  the  ends  in  a  circle,  and  throw  the  right, 
its  fingers  separated  a  little  and  slightly  bent,  from  immediately  above 
the  left  several  times  downward  sidewise  on  different  sides,  then,  with 
its  fingers  pointing  obliquely  upward  toward  the  left,  carry  the  right 
hand  spirally  downward  and  obliquely  toward  the  right,  to  imitate  the 
falling  of  leaves.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Elevate  the  left  hand,  pointing  upward,  before  the  face,  palm  to  the 
right  with  fingers  and  thumb  separated,  then  pass  the  right,  with  fin 
gers  in  a  similar  position,  upward  past  the  left  a  short  distance,  then  turn 
down  two  or  more  fingers  of  the  right  with  the  forefinger  of  the  left, 
and  throw  the  hands  downward  and  forward  with  spread  fingers  point 
ing  in  the  same  direction.  (Kaiowa  L;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wi 
chita  II.)  "Growth  of  tree,  and  falling  of  leaves." 

Awl. 

The  left  forefinger  is  extended,  and  the  right,  also  extended,  is  placed 
across  it,  and  is  then  turned  on  its  axis,  so  as  to  imitate  the  action  of 
the  awl  in  making  a  hole.  (Long.) 

(I)  Thumb  and  three  fingers  of  right  hand  clasped  as  though  grasp 
ing  handle  of  an  awl,  and  the  index  finger  extended  to  represent  the 
point;  (2)  thrust  against  the  palm  or  some  portion  of  the  left  hand. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Ax.    See  Tomahawk. 

Cutting  with  an.     See  Cutting1. 

Baby.    See  Child. 

Bacon. 

Separate  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  the  former  under, 
the  latter  over  the  extended  left  hand,  palms  down,  as  if  feeling  its 
thickness.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Left  hand  with  thumb  and  fingers  extended,  joined,  horizontal  edge 
of  hand  downward  is  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast  back  outward,  right 
hand  with  fingers  extended  and  joined,  thumb  extended  and  forked  is 
passed  over  the  left  from  above  with  ends  of  fingers  downward,  and 
then  the  palmar  surfaces  of  the  right  fingers  are  passed  along  the  backs, 
and  the  thumb  along  the  palmar  surface  of  the  left  hand.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Thin"  is  also  denoted  by  this  sign.  "Fat  like  a  side  of  bacon." 

Bad,  mean. 

Make  the  sign  for  Good  and  then  that  of  ?¥ot.     (Long.} 

Close  the  hand,  and  open  it  whilst  passing  it  downward.  ( Wied.) 
This  is  the  same  as  my  description,  but  differently  worded ;  possibly 


28 

notes  a  less  forcible  form.  I  say,  however,  that  the  liaml  is  moved 
forward.  The  precise  direction  in  which  the  hand  is  moved  is  not,  1 
think,  essential.  (Matthew.) 

Scatter  the  dexter  fingers  outward,  as  if  sporting  away  water  from 
them.  (Burton.) 

(1)  Right  hand  partially  elevated,  fingers  closed,  thumb  clasping  the 
tips;  (2)  sudden  motion  down  ward  and  outward  accompanied  by  equally 
sudden  opening  of  fingers  and  snapping  from  the  thumb,  of  the  fingers. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Right  hand  closed  (B)  carried  forward  in  front  of  the  body  toward  the 
right  and  downward,  during  which  the  hand  is  opened,  fingers  down 
ward,  as  if  dropping  out  the  contents.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Not  worth  keeping." 

Half  close  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  crook  the  thumb  over  the 
fore  and  middle  fingers  and  move  the  hand,  back  upward,  a  foot  or  so 
toward  the  object  referred  to,  and  suddenly  let  the  fingers  fly  open. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "Scattered  around,  therefore  bad." 

Close  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  resting  the  tips  against  the  thumb, 
then  throw  the  hand  downward  and  outward  toward  the  right  to  arm's 
length,  and  spring  open  the  fingers.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hands  open,  palms  turned  in ;  move  one  hand  towards,  and  the  other 
from,  the  body;  then  vice  versa.  (Omaha  I.) 

Throw  the  clinched  right  hand  forward,  downward,  and  outward,  and 
when  near  at  arm's  length,  suddenly  snap  the  fingers  from  the  thumb  as 
if  sprinkling  water.  (  Wyandot  I.)  "  To  throw  away  contemptuously ; 
not  worth  keeping." 

Raise  hand  in  front  of  breast,  fingers  hooked,  thumb  resting  against 
second  finger,  palm  downward  (G  1),  then  with  a  nervous  movement 
throw  the  hand  downward  to  the  light  and  a  little  behind  the  body,  with 
an  expression  of  disgust  on  the  face.  During  motion  of  hand  the  fing 
ers  are  gradually  extended  as  though  throwing  something  out  of  hand, 
and  in  final  position  the  fingers  and  thumb  are  straight  and  separated, 
palm  backward  (R  1),  with  fingers  pointing  downward,  palm  backward. 
(tiahaptin  I.)  "Away  with  it." 

Same  motion  of  arm  and  hand  as  in  All  right :  <•  oo«l.  But  in  the 
first  position  fingers  are  closed,  and  as  the  hand  moves  to  the  right  they 
are  thrown  open,  until  in  final  position  all  are  extended  as  in  final  for 
A II  right;  droocl.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Use  the  sign  for  Handsome,  at  the  same 
time  shake  the  head  as  if  to  say  ]%o.  (Zieyler.) 


The  Neapolitans,  to  express  contempt,  blow  towards  the  person  or 
thing  referred  to.  The  deaf-mutes  preserve  the  connection  of  "  bad  " 
and  "  taste  "  by  brushing  from  the  side  of  the  mouth.  This  may  be  com 
pared  \yith  the  deaf-mute  sign  of  flipping  an  imaginary  object  between 
thumb  nail  and  forefinger,  denoting  something  small  or  contemptible. 
The  motion  of  snapping  the  finger  either  on  or  from  the  thumb  in  dis 
dain  is  not  only  of  large  modern  prevalence  in  civilization,  but  is  at  least 
as  ancient  as  the  contemporary  statute  of  Sardanapalus  at  Anchiale. 

Very. 

Sign  for  Very  as  in  Very  i;oo«l,  and  sign  for  Bad.    (Sakaptin  I.) 

Bad  heart;  Wicked.    (Compare  Anger.) 

Sign  for  Bad,  then  folded  right  hand  struck  two  or  three  times  sud 
denly  against  the  heart  to  imitate  palpitation.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Tap  several  times  the  region  over  the  heart  with  the  right  hand,  hori 
zontal,  fingers  extended,  pointing  toward  the  right,  back  outward,  and 
then  make  the  sign  for  Anger.  (Dakota  I.)  "My  heart  is  bad." 

The  sign  most  commonly  used  for  this  idea  is  made  by  the  hand  being 
closed  and  held  near  the  breast,  with  the  backs  toward  the  breast,  then 
as  the  arm  is  suddenly  extended  the  hand  is  opened  and  the  fingers 
separated  from  each  other.  (Mandan  and  Ridatm  I.) 

Place  the  fingers  of  the  fiat  right  hand  over  the  heart,  then  make  the 
sign  for  bad.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Ball. 

Middle  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands  brought  together  to  repre 
sent  a  circle.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

For  gun.    See  Bullet. 


Barter.    See  Trade. 

Ba«in. 

Same  as  Kettle,  except  final  motion  of  setting  on  the  fire,  which 
is  omitted.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  its  shape." 

Basket. 

Interlock  the  separated  fingers  of  the  hands  in  front  of  body,  backs 
outward,  hands  horizontal,  in  imitation  of  the  interlacing  of  basket- 
work.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  interwoven  splinters  of  a  basket." 

Battle.    (Compare  Fight  and  Kill.) 

The  clinched  hands  are  held  about  as  high  as  the  neck  and  five  or  six 
inches  asunder,  then  waved  two  or  three  times  laterally  to  show  the 


30 

advances  and  retreats  of  the  combatants ;  after  which  the  fingers  of 
each  hand  are  suffered  to  spring  from  the  thumb  towards  each  other, 
as  in  the  act  of  sprinkling  water,  to  represent  the  flight  of  missiles. 
(Long.)  ir 

To  show  that  fighting  is  actually  taking  place,  make  the  gesture  of 
Kill ;  tap  the  lips  with  the  palm  like  an  Oriental  woman  when  "keen 
ing,"  screaming  the  while  O-a!  O-a  !  to  imitate  the  war  song.  (Burton.) 

(1)  Fists  of  both  hands  closed  and  brought  to  the  level  of  the  chin, 
near  together  and  knuckles  facing  each  other ;  (2)  moved  suddenly  for 
ward  and  backward  with  a  sort  of  churning,  grinding  motion.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

Both  hands  (A  1)  brought  to  the  median  line  of  body  on  a  level  with 
the  breast  and  close  together ;  describe  with  both  hands  at  the  same 
time  a  series  of  circular  movements  of  small  circumference.  ( Dakota  I.) 
"Two opposing  forces  of  Indians  at  battle  in  a  circular  manner,  after 
their  usual  custom  of  surrounding  their  enemy." 

Two  or  more  men  fighting.  Move  the  upright  fists  alternately  several 
times  back  and  forth  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
chest,  palms  inward,  and  about  four  inches  apart.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  clinched  lists  arc  held  before  the  chest,  backs  outward  (the  fore 
arm  neither  prone  nor  supine),  and  passed  straight  up  and  down  rapidly 
a  distance  of  six  to  twelve  inches,  alternately  in  opposite  directions  to 
one  another,  either  a  short  distance  apart  or  with  the  joints  touching. 
This  indicates  any  angry  contest  or  struggle  as  well  as  a  pitched  battle 
fought  with  weapons,  (Mandan  and  Hidatssa  I.) 

The  anus  are  equally  flexed,  as  in  position  of  defense.  Hands  are 
loosely  clenched  and  fists  rotated  in  palmar  proximity  three  times ;  the 
sign  is  completed  by  retaining  the  arms  and  fists  in  posture  for  defense 
about  three  seconds.  Hands  are  position  (B)  doubled  or  (B  B).  (Oto 
I.)  "  To  ward  off." 

Both  hands  at  height  of  breast,  palms  facing,  the  left  forward  from 
the  left  shoulder,  the  right  outward  and  forward  from  the  right,  fingers 
pointing  up  and  spread,  move  them  alternately  towards  and  from  one 
another.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Mingling  of  men  in  strife." 

Place  both  hands  on  a  level  in  front  of  the  chest,  half  closed,  fingers 
pointing  downward,  the  backs  of  the  right-hand  fingers  pointing  for 
ward,  those  of  the  left  facing  them,  held  about  six  inches  apart,  the 
hands  are  then  quickly  moved  toward  and  from  one  another  several 
times.  (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Vibrate  your  fingers,  implying  how  many 
soldiers ;  then  copy  the  manner  of  shooting  a  gun.  (Cross.) 


31 

Battle,  White  mau's. 

Both  hands  clinched  with  ball  of  thumb  on  the  second  and  third  An 
gers,  clinched  forefingers  of  each  hand  touching.  Then  push  the  hands 
from  you,  letting  the  fingers  all  fly  outward  at  the  same  time,  as  if  you 
were  trying  to  throw  water  off  your  fingers.  This  repeated  twice  or 
more,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  engagement.  (Comanche  I.) 
"Soldiers  standing  in  line  delivering  their  fire." 

Charge  and  counter-charge. 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Battle,  and  are  then  simulta 
neously  moved  from  and  toward  one  another.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Beads,  glass. 

Stroke  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  over  the  left  upper  arm.  ( Wied.) 
Do  not  remember.  A  sign  for  necklace  is  sometimes  made  by  extending 
the  thumb  and  index  finger  and  placing  them  against  the  throat.  ( Mat 
thews.) 

Tips  of  the  joined  thumb  and  forefinger  left  hand  (others  closed),  wet 
by  touching  to  the  tongue,  are  passed  down  in  front  of  the  body,  as 
though  picking  up  loose  beads  from  the  lap,  and  then  hand  held  in  front 
of  the  left  breast,  horizontal,  back  outward,  tips  of  joined  thumb  and 
finger  toward  the  right,  and  then  the  right  hand,  with  thumb  and  fore 
finger  extended,  crooked  and  joined  at  tips  (others  closed),  as  though 
holding  a  sinew,  is  passed  toward  the  left,  to  and  over  the  left  hand 
as  though  passing  the  sinew  through  the  beads.  (Dakota  I.)  "From 
the  use  of  beads  in  embroidery." 

Bear,  animal. 

Pass  the  hand  before  the  face  to  mean  ugliness,  at  the  same  time 
grinning  and  extending  the  fingers  like  claws.  (Burton.) 

(I)  Middle  and  third  finger  of  right  hand  clasped  down  by  the  thumb, 
forefinger  and  little  finger  extended,  crooked  downward;  (2)  the  mo 
tion  of  scratching  made  in  the  air.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Fingers  of  both  hands  closed,  except  the  little  finger,  which  is  extended 
and  pointing  straight  towards  the  front,  thumbs  resting  on  the  backs  of 
the  second  phalanges  of  all  the  fingers,  hands  horizontal,  backs  upward, 
are  held  in  front  of  their  respective  sides  near  the  body,  and  then 
moved  directly  forward  with  short,  sharp  jerking  motions.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  motion  of  the  bear  in  running." 

Grizzly. 

Right  hand  flat  and  extended,  held  at  height  of  shoulder,  palm  for 
ward,  then  bring  the  palm  to  the  mouth,  lick  it  with  the  tongue,  and 
return  it  to  first  position.  (Omaha  1.)  "  Showing  blood  on  the  paw." 


32 

Seize  a  short  piece  of  wood,  say  about  two  feet  long,  wave  in  the  right 
hand,  and  strike  a  blow  at  an  imaginary  person.  (Omaha  I.) 

Seize  a  short  thing  about  six  inches  long,  hold  it  as  dagger,  pretend 
to  thrust  it  downward  under  the  breast  bone  repeatedly,  and  each  time 
farther,  grunting  or  gasping  in  doing  so;  withdraw  the  stick,  holding  it 
up,  and,  showing  the  blood,  point  to  the  breast  with  the  left  forefinger, 
meaning  to  say  so  do  thou  when  you  meet  the  bear.  (Omaha  I.) 

Pretend  to  stab  yourself  with  an  arrow  in  various  parts  of  the  body, 
then  point  towards  the  body  with  the  left-hand  forefinger.  (Omaha  I.) 

Arms  are  flexed  and  hands  clasped  about  center  of  breast ;  then 
slowly  fall  with  arms  pendulous  and  both  hands  in  position  of  (Q).  The 
sign  is  completed  by  slowly  lifting  the  hands  and  arms  several  times  in 
imitation  of  the  animal's  locomotion. 

Movement  and  appearance  of  animal's  front  feet.     (Oto  I.) 

Hold  the  closed  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow  before  the  right 
side,  palm  downward,  extend  and  curve  the  thumb  and  little  linger  so 
that  their  tips  are  nearly  directed  toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles 
of  the  closed  fingers ;  then  push  the  hand  forward  several  times.  (Kaiowa 
I,  Comanche  III,  Apache  II,  Wichita  II.)  "  Paw  and  long  claws." 

Hold  both  closed  hands  before  the  body,  palms  down,  and  about  eight 
inches  apart;  reach  forward  a  short  distance,  relaxing  the  fingers  as  if 
grasping  something  with  them,  and  draw  them  back  again  as  the  hands 
are  withdrawn  to  their  former  position.  (Ute  I.)  "  Scratching,  and 
grasping  with  the  claws." 

The  right  hand  thrown  in  the  position  as  for  Horse,  then  extend 
both  hands  with  fingers  extended  and  curved,  separated,  palms  down, 
and  push  them  forward  several  times  making  a  short  arch.  (Apacfie  I.) 
"  The  animal  that  scratches  with  long  claws." 

Beard,  whiskers. 

Place  the  back  of  the  wrist  under  the  chin,  spread  the  fingers  slightly, 
allowing  them  to  extend  downward  and  forward.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Beaver. 

With  the  back  of  the  open  right  hand,  strike  the  palm  of  the  left 
several  times.  ( Wied.)  I  have  seen  this.  It  represents  the  beaver 
striking  the  water  with  his  flat  tail.  (Matthews.)  The  arms  are  semi- 
flexed  and  approach  the  body  with  the  hands  opened,  palms  down,  the 
right  over  and  above  the  left.  The  right  hand  finally  sweeps  back  and 
is  held  extended,  flatly  open  in  position  of  animal's  tail.  There  is  no 
similarity  in  the  execution  or  conception  of  this  sign  and  that  of  Wied; 


33 

the  conception  in  the  sign  among  the  Otos  is  clear,  but  that  for  the 
latter  obscure.     The  height  and  broad  flat  tail  of  the  animal.    (Boteler.) 

Describe  a  parenthesis  (  )  with  the  thumb  and  index  of  both  hands, 
and  then  with  the  dexter  index  imitate  the  wagging  of  the  tail.  (Burton.) 

(1)  Right  hand  flattened  to  form  an  extension  of  forearm,  palm  down 
ward  at  an  angle  of  45°  to  the  body ;  (2)  suddenly  slapped  down  two 
or  three  times.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "  From  the  manner  in  which  the  beaver 
slaps  water  or  mud." 

Both  hands  in  front  of  body,  fingers  extended,  horizontal  flat,  palms 
downward  (~W),  ends  of  fingers  pointing  obliquely  forward,  pat  the  back 
of  first  one  hand  and  then  the  other  several  times,  not  too  rapidly. 
(Dakota  I.)  "These  Indians  believe  that  beavers  are  able  to  converse 
with  each  other  and  do  so  while  building  their  dams  and  lodges.  The 
sign,  however,  would  seem  to  come  from  the  noise  made  by  the  beavers 
in -patting  down  their  dams." 

Hold  the  left  hand,  palm  looking  obliquely,  forward,  outward  and  up 
ward,  a  foot  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  and  strike  its  palm 
several  times  with  the  back  of  the  open  light  hand.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  are  semi-extended  and  the  bands  in  type-position  (W)  are 
held  right  above  left  to  represent  size  of  animal.  Hands  in  this  position 
execute  uuiformly  a  creeping  movement  forwards,  then  right  hand 
sweeps  to  back  of  body  and  is  extended  from  cocygeal  region  to  repre 
sent  the  broad,  flat  tail.  (Oto  I.)  "Creeping  animal  with  flat  tail." 

Hold  both  extended  flat  hands,  palms  down,  side  by  side,  then  extend 
the  first  three  fingers,  separated,  the  little  fingers  and  thumbs  closed 
and  the  hands  retaining  the  same  relative  position.  (Apache  I.)  "  Flat 
tail,  and  claws." 

Trap.    See  Trap. 


Before. 

Bring  the  hand  close  to  the  right  breast  (]?I)  with  palm  to  left,  fore 
finger  pointed  outward ;  bring  left  hand  (M.  palm  inward)  in  front  of  and 
few  inches  from  the  breast,  move  right  hand  to  the  front  and  at  same 
time  move  the  left  toward  the  breast  slightly.  After  or  afterward 
is  done  by  having  the  hands  in  the  same  position  (Ji.)  except  to  have 
palm  of  right  hand  down.  The  left  is  kept  stationary  and  the  right  is 
drawn  back.  ( Cheyenne  II.)  "  The  left  hand  representing  an  imaginary 
line,  the  action  of  the  right  makes  it  the  front  or  before." 

Right  hand  moved  quickly  forward  from  side  back  of  hand  in  Iront, 
the  hand  drawn  back  less  quickly,  again  projected  forward  rapidly,  with 
slight  inclination  of  head  and  body  forward.     (Ojibica  IV.) 
5 


34 

Left  hand  held  forefinger  straight,  upright,  palm  of  hand  outward 
(other  fingers  closed)  in  front  of  body  about  18  inches,  and  then  the 
right  hand  held  in  the  same  manner  close  to  the  body  on  the  same  level. 
(Dakota  1.) 

Close  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  thumb  crossing  the  middle  finger, 
index  extended,  palm  forward,  thrust  the  hand  forward  forcibly. 
(Omaha  I.) 

Going  before  or  passing  another  person. 

Move  both  fingers  up  and  down  and  away  from  the  body  on  the  same 
line,  but  allowing  the  right  to  gain  on  and  finally  pass  the  left.  (Dakota 
I.)  "From  the  idea  of  being  or  going  before  or  ahead  of  another  person 
in  walking  or  anything  else.  A  derivative  of  superior." 

In  place;  ahead:  superior. 

The  hands  are  held  horizontally,  in  front,  backs  upward,  parallel 
about  an  inch  apart,  the  forefi  ngers  only  extended.  The  right  hand  is  then 
advanced  before  the  left,  usually  about  a  finger's  length;  but  the  distance 
may  be  increased  or  diminished  to  express  degree.  This  sign  is  to  be 
considered  in  connection  with  those  for  behind  or  inferior,  and  beside  or 
equal.  They  all  refer  to  the  relative  position  of  objects  in  space  but  to 
different  degrees  of  quality.  Comparison  is  expressed  by  these  signs. 
Changes  of  position — as  horses  in  a  race — are  shown  by  changes  in  the 
position  of  the  hands.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


In  time. 


Same  sign  as  for  Time,  long1,  and  short,  but  in  referring  to  length 
of  time,  as  to  the  previous  day,  or  previous  month,  etc.,  the  hands  are 
drawn  apart  carelessly  about  ten  or  twelve  inches,  quickly,  the  absence 
of  any  haste  indicating  a  longer  time,  and  consequently  applicable  to 
matters  referring  to  a  longer  period.  (Kaioica\]  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.) 

Beg,  Beggar. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Lodge,  entering  a,  and  then  the  sign 
for  Give  to  me.  (Dakota  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Give  to  me,  and  then  the  sign  for  .Via  11 
or  Woman,  as  the  case  may  be.  Lodge,  entering  a,  can  be 

added  or  not.     (Dakota  I.)      "From  an  Indian  going  from  lodge  to 
lodge  asking  for  tilings." 

Begone.    See  Go. 

Beginning.    Commencement. 

The  right  hand  horizontal,  with  fingers  arched  (B)  back  of  hand  up 
ward,  of  fingers  obliquely  downward  and  outward,  is  pushed  out  in  front 


35 

of  the  right  breast  and  drawn  back  to  original  position  two  or  three 
times.  (Dakota  I.)  "Going-  to  do  it.  Going  to  commence  anything. 
Going  ahead,  pushing  things." 

Behind. 

Bring  both  hands  in  front  of  the  breast  (ME  palms  down),  the  fore 
fingers  near  together  pointing  to  front;  move  the  right  suddenly  to  rear 
few  inches,  the  left  remains  still.  In  describing  a  person  being  left 
farther  and  farther  to  the  rear,  keep  moving  the  right  a  couple  inches 
or  so  at  a  move  until  you  make  three  or  four  moves  back.  (Cheyenne  II.) 

Same  motion  as  Before  repeated  by  swinging  the  hand  backwards 
from  thigh,  with  quickened  motion  as  the  hand  went  back.  (Ojibwa  tV.) 

Forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  straight,  upright  (others  closed)  palm 
of  hand  outward  is  drawn  from  in  front  of  and  on  d,  level  with  the 
shoulder,  behind  the  body  on  as  near  a  straight  line  as  possible  and 
with  forefinger  pointing  upright.  (Dakota  I.}  "Reverse  of  going  be 
fore.  He  is  still  falling  behind  me." 

With  its  index  extended,  pointing  backward,  over  the  right  shoulder, 
back  upward,  push  the  right  hand  back  ward  about  four  inches  from  just 
in  front  of  the  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Inferior.    (Compare  Ahead.) 

Place  the  hands  in  the  same  position  as  for  ahead,  except  that  the 
right  hand  is  behind  the  left,  L  e.,  nearer  the  body.  (Mandan  and  Hi 
datsa  I.) 

Place  the  spread  right  hand  behind  the  body,  moving  the  hand  slightly 
a  little  up  and  down,  and  back  and  forth.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  flexed  and  hand  upright  with  hooked  index  (as  in  I 
1 — modified  by  the  hand  being  held  edgewise)  is  brought  before  the 
face.  The  right  fist  is  then  brought  to  the  same  position  and  the  palms 
face  each  other.  The  left  hand  remains  before  the  face,  but  the  right 
fist  is  swept  back  past  the  right  side  with  the  index  finger  extended  as 
in  type  J.  (Oto  I).  "  What  I  have  gone  by." 

fielorig.    See  Po&seSsiori. 

Below,  under. 

Made  like  the  sign  for  above,  with  this  exception— that  all  mdve- 
ment  is  made  by  the  left  or  lower  hand,  t  he  right  being  held  motionless, 
palm  downward,  and  the  eyes  looking  down.  (Dodge.) 

Place  the  right  hand,  by  a  descending  motion,  just  under  thtj  left 
hand,  both  extended,  fingers  joined  and  palms  down.  (Ardpaho  I.) 


£6 

Same  motion  as  Above  with  hand  starting  from  above  level  of 
elbow,  linger  pointing  down,  rest  gently  closed.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

Same  as  Above,  only  draw  the  right  hand  a  considerable  distance 
below  the  left.  (Dakota  I.) 

Sign  can  also  be  made  with  one  hand  by  the  reverse  of  the  movements 
in  Above.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Refer  to  the  person  below  or  under  by  mov 
ing  that  finger  and  hand  which  represents  the  under  person,  animal, 
or  thing.  Inferior  height,  variant  of  superior." 

Both  hands  are  extended  open  as  in  type  W.  The  hands  are  then 
approximated  edgewise  and  the  left  is  superimposed,  and  swept  palm  over 
back  of  right.  Both  hands  now  diverge  and  arms  are  extended  from 
the  right  and  left  sides — palms  down.  The  right  hand  is  now  brought 
forward  as  in  type  (I  1) — modified  by  index  being  more  extended,  and 
describes  a  quadrant's  arc  towards  the  ground.  (Oto  I.)  "The  vast 
depths  into  which  all  suddenly  fall." 

Place  the  Hat  left  hand  in  front  of  the  body,  palm  down,  fingers  di 
rected  toward  the  right ;  place  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  below  the 
left,  the  greater  the  distance  the  hands  are  moved  apart  the  greater 
the  depths  to  which  allusion  is  made.  ( Ute  I.) 

Belt. 

Motion  of  putting  a  belt  around  the  body  with  thumb  and  forefinger 
of  both  hands  on  their  respective  sides  of  body — thumb  and  forefinger 
U-shaped,  pointing  inward  and  carried  around  the  sides  of  body  to  the 
front,  other  fingers  of  both  hands  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the 
placing  of  the  belt." 

Beside,  equal.    See  Same. 

Bi£.    In  the  sense  of  Broad  or  Flat. 

Bring  both  hands  in  front  of  breast,  palms  down,  then  extend  them 
forward  to  length  of  arms  and  sweep  around  outwards,  on  a  level.  For 
small  extent,  the  hands  indicate  a  less  extended  arc  or  circle.  (Ojibica 
IV.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  horizontal,  extended  and  flat,  pointing  forward. 
A  slight  arched  curve  from  right  to  left  is  made  at  whatever  height  the 
speaker  wishes  to  indicate.  (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  siyn. — Place  the  hands  near  each  other  and  move 
them  apart.  (Ballard.) 

In  the  sense  of  II  iu  h  as  a  hill. 

An  ascending  motion  of  the  extended  hand,  fingers  joined,  palm 
down,  outlining  and  indicating  relative  height.  (ArapahoJ..) 


37 

(1)  Both  bands  unclosed,  brought  to  the  front  of  chest,  palms  facing 
each  other,  right  hand  above  left  and  elevated  to  level  of  chin  ;  (2) 
right  hand  carried  upwards  in  proportion  to  the  degree  of  height  to  be 
expressed  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Raise  the  extended  hand,  fingers  joined,  palm  down  and  horizontal, 
to  the  proper  or  greatest  possible  elevation.  (Arapaho  I.) 

With  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  straight,  upright  ( J),  carry  it 
straight  upward  in  front  of  the  body  above  the  head  as  high  as  the  ex 
tended  arm  will  reach.  This  would  indicate  a  mountain,  and  lesser  de 
grees  of  arm  extension  would  denote  lesser  heights.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Great 
high — a  mountain." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — High — Move  the  hand  upward.    (Bollard.) 
Raise  the  hand  above  the  head.     (Larson.) 

In  the  sense  of  Large  around. 

(1)  Motion  for  width  except  that  the  elbows  are  not  pressed  against 
the  sides,  but  the  arms  and  hands  are  extended  and  give  a  curved  form 
as  though  clasping  some  large  object;  (2)  motion  made  to  increase  or 
enlarge  the  circle  in  proportion  to  the  size  to  be  expressed.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Indicate  the  general  outlines,  and  in  the  direction  thereof  extend 
both  hands,  palms  towards  each  other,  to  the  required  or  greatest  pos 
sible  distance  apart.  (Arapaho  I.) 

I'alms  facing,  and  moved  apart  farther  and  farther  by  jerks.  (Oma 
ha  I.) 

Large. 

The  opened  upright  hands,  palms  facing,  fingers  relaxed  and  slightly 
separated,  being  at  the  height  of  the  breast  and  about  two  feet  apart, 
separate  them  to  nearly  arm's  length.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Deaf-mute,  natural  signs. — Place  the  hands  near  each  other  palm  to 
ward  palm,  and  move  them  apart,  and  at  the  same  time  distending  the 
cheeks.  (Ballard.) 

Point  your  finger  at  your  chest  and  face  expanded.  *(Cross.) 

Move  both  open  hands  from  each  other  with  the  palms  looking  toward 
each  other,  and,  at  the  same  time,  cause  the  cheeks  to  look  big  and 
round  by  blowing  against  them.  (Hasenstab.) 

Stretch  out  the  hands.     (Larson.) 

In  the  sense  of  Long* 

(1)  Hands  brought  upward  and  to  the  front  of  the  body,  forefinger 
and  thumbs  of  both  brought  together  as  though  grasping  the  ends  of  a 


38 

string;  (-')  suddenly  drawn  apart  in  proportion  to  the  length  to  be  (?x- 
pi, -xM-d.  (Chfi/nine  I.) 

Deaf-Mutt-  ,,«t,iral  signs.— Direct  the  forefinger  downward  and  extend 
it  forward  toward  a  distant  point.  (Ballard.) 

Point  to  the  land,  if  the  land  is  intended,  with  the  finger;  then  move 
hori/ontallv  the  outstretched  hand  along  the  line,  which  describes  an 
ellipse  (Cross.) 

Having  held  the  hands,  the  palms  touching  each  other,  separate  them 
by  moving  them  in  a  straight  line,  showing  how  far  apart.  (Cross.) 

Stretch  out  the  arm,  at  the  same  time  place  the  forefinger  on  the 
shoulder.  (Zeigler.) 

In  the  sense  of  Long-,  in  extent. 

Tush  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  toward  the  left,  from  the  lower  part 
of  the  chest  upward  to  about  a  foot  above  the  head.  (Dakota  IV.) 

I  h, if- ,n  at,  natural  #iV//w.— By  moving  the  hands  apart.     (Bollard.) 

Stretch  out  both  arms  in  a  straight  line.     (Larson.) 

In  the  sense  of  Wide. 

(1)  Elbows  close  to  side,  forearm  and  open  flattened  hands  extended, 
palms  faring  and  nearly  touching  each  other;  (2)  separated  in  propor 
tion  to  the  degree  of  width  to  be  represented.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

(I)  Hands  extended  to  front  of  body,  open  to  fullest  extent,  but 
liners  and  thumbs  contiguous,  palms  up,  little  fingers  of  each  hand 
touching ;  (2)  gradually  moved  apart  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
surface  to  be  represented.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Bring  both  hands  to  the  front  of  the  body,  on  the  same  level  and 
close  together,  fingers  and  thumbs  extended,  palms  downward  (f40> 
fingers  pointing  forward,  with  both  hands  on  the  same  level,  make  a 
sidewise  movement  with  the  left  to  nearly  its  arm's  full  extent,  but  only 
move  the  right  a  few  inches.  (Dakota  I.) 

This  sign  resembles  that  for  Big,  in  the  sense  of  Flat.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  A  broad,  level  piece  of  land." 

Both  hands  bfought  together  in  front  of  breast,  with  a  curved  mo 
tion,  hands  horizontal,  Hat,  palm  downward  (W)-  Ends  of  fingers 
pointing  toward  the  front  are  then  carried  out  sidewise,  with  a  curved 
downward  motion  to  their  natural  positions.  (Dakota  I.)  "Covering  a 
large  surface." 

IMa^e  both  flat  hands  side  by  side  before  the  breast,  palms  down,  then 
pass  them  horizontally  outward  toward  their  respi-etive  sides.  (Dakota 
VI,  VII.) 

lh;if-nnitf  natural  sign. — Put  the  palms  of  the  hands  near  each  other 
and  then  move  them  far  apart.  (Ballard.) 


39 

Bird. 

The  hands  are  flapped  near  the  shoulders.  If  specification  be  re 
quired,  the  cry  is  imitated  or  some  peculiarity  is  introduced.,  (Burton.) 

(I)  Both  hands  open  to  fullest  extent,  palms  downward,  brought  to 
level  of  and  against  the  chest,  forefinger  pointing  away  from  chest ;  (2) 
pushed  forward  and  downward  and  withdrawn  with  a  curve  motion,  as 
the  motion  of  wings  in  flying.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  front  outline  will  represent  the  sign.  Both  arms  are  elevated 
and  flexed  at  right  angles  to  the  shoulders,  the  arms  are  then  made  to 
diverge,  and  in  position  "W  made  to  flap  or  waver  to  and  from  the  body 
after  the  manner  of  the  wings  of  a  bird.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That 
has  wings  or  flies  by  them." 

Bison,  buffalo. 

The  t\vo  forefingers  are  placed  near  the  ears,  projecting,  so  as  to 
represent  the  horns  of  the  animal.  (Long.) 

Raise  the  forefingers  crooked  inward,  in  the  semblance  of  horns,  on 
both  sides  of  the  head.  (L>urton.) 

Lower  the  head  and  project  the  forefingers  from  their  respective  sides 
of  the  head,  like  horns.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  elevated  to  or  toward  the  sides  of  the  head,  forefinger  of 
each  crooked  obliquely  fp.rward  to  represent  horns.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  hands  tightly  closed,  leaving  the  forefingers  only  extended  and 
curved ;  place  the  fists  before  the  chest,  about  ten  inches  apart,  palms 
facing,  and  forefingers  above.  (AbsaroTca  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 
"  Horns." 

Both  hands  raised  to  the  sides  of  the  head  in  front  of  ears,  back  of 
hands  looking  forward,  forefingers  crooked  backward,  rest  of  fingers 
closed,  thumb  resting  on  second  finger.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Horns  of  the 
buffalo." 

Both  hands  closed  except  forefinger,  and  then  applied  to  each  temple, 
with  the  latter  pointing  a  little  forward.  ( Dakota  II.)  "  Horns  of  animal.'? 

Semi-flex  the  forefingers,  loosely  close  the  others,  thumbs  either  under 
the  middle  fingers  or  against  them,  and  place  the  hands  upright,  backs 
outward,  one  on  each  side  of  the  head,  near  it  or  against  it,  above  and 
just  in  front  of  the  ears,  then  move  the  hands  suddenly  forward  a  couple 
of  inches.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  The  horns  of  the  buft'alo." 

All  the  digits  of  both  hands  are  completely  flexed  except  the  forefin 
gers,  and  these  are  slightly  curved ;  each  hand,  back  outwards  and  held 
obliquely  outwards  and  upwards,  is  brought  in  contact  with  the  temple 


40 

of  the  same  s.ide  at  tin-  wrist.     (Mandan  ami  Hidatm  I.)     "Thus  the 
horns  of  the  animal  are  indicated." 

Same  sign  as  for  Cattle.    (Oto  I.) 

Both  hands,  flattened,  slightly  arched,  and  flexed  at  the  wrists,  are 
held  as  high  as  the  ears  and  over  the  shoulders  pointing  backwards, 
then  incline  the  head  to  the  front  and  quickly  throw  the  hands  upward 
a  short  distance,  (h'xioica  I;  Comanchc  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
"The  humped  shoulders  and  motion  of  the  animal." 

BiMOII,  (leneric. 

Close  both  hands  loosely,  extending  and  crooking  the  forefingers, 
place  them  several  inches  from  either  temple.  ( Ute  I.) 

Buffalo  calf. 

Place  the  fists  upright,  backs  outward,  with  the  thumbs  strongly  ex 
tended  above  the  ears  near  the  head,  and  shake  them  back  and  forth  sev 
eral  times  to  imitate  the  shaking  of  a  calf's  ears.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Buffhlo  cow,  but  made  as  low  as  the  waist,  and 
the  hands  are  moved  slightly  forward  and  backward.  (Kaioica  I;  Co- 
nuinche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Female. 

Curve  the  two  forefingers,  place  them  on  the  sides  of  the  head,  and 
move  them  several  times.  (  Wied.)  I  have  given  you  a  similar  sign  for 
the  Bison  without  regard  to  sex,  except  that  I  do  not  mention  any 
motion  of  the  hands  after  they  are  placed  in  the  position  ot  horns,  and  I 
do  not  remember  seeing  such  motion.  (Matthews.) 

Same  sign  as  made  by  Shoshoni  and  Croics.  When  this  sign  is  made 
before  the  person  it  signifies  both  sexes,  without  special  reference  to 
either.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II]  Wichita  II.) 

Male. 

Place  the  tightly-closed  hands  on  both  sides  of  the  head  with  the  fin 
gers  forward.  (  Wied.)  If  he  does  not  mean  to  describe  the  same  sign 
(minus  the  motion)  as  in  Bison,  female,  I  know  not  what  he  does  mean. 
I  have  seen  but  one  sign  for  Buffalo  (which  I  am  certain  was  generic), 
and  I  opine  that  one  sign  was  all  the  Prince  saw.  The  movements  he 
speaks  of  in  Bison,  female,  may  have  been  unnecessary  or  accidental. 
Additional  signs  are  used  to  indicate  sex  when  necessary.  (Matthews.) 
It  is  conjectured  that  Wietfs  sign  for  the  Male  buffalo  indicates  the  short, 
stubby  horns,  and  that  for  the  Female,  the  ears  seen  moving,  not  being 
covered  by  the  shock  mane  of  the  male. 

Bite,  To. 

Thumb  of  right  hand  extended,  fore  and  second  fingers  also  extended, 
joined,  and  slightly  arched,  thumb  separated  from  fingers  (other  fingers 


41 

closed),  hand  horizontal  or  obliquely  upwards,  edge  of  hand  downward, 
the  arm  extended  to  nearly  full  capacity  in  front  of  right  breast,  quickly 
draw  the  fingers  against  the  thumb  several  times,  at  the  same  time  draw 
the  arm  in  toward  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  snapping  bite  of 
dogs.  The  two  jaws  in  motion." 

Blanket.    See  Clothing. 

Blind. 

First  touch  the  closed  eyes  with  the  tips  of  the  extended  fore  and 
secoud  fingers  of  right  hand,  back  upward  (other  fingers  closed),  then 
turn  the  hand  and  make  the  sign  for  Seeing*  as  contained  in  Look, 
and  then  the  sign  for  None  or  I  have  none  as  contained  in  None. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  I  have  no  sight." 

Blood. 

Eight  hand  with  thumb  extended  and  pointing  upward,  fingers  ex 
tended  and  separated  as  much  as  possible  and  pointing  obliquely  up 
ward  and  downward,  is  brought  along  the  body  in  front  to  the  mouth, 
where  it  is  carried  forward  for  a  few  inches  with  a  downward  curved 
motion,  back  of  hand  toward  the  right.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  a  buffalo 
when  seriously  wounded  standing  and  spirting  blood  from  the  mouth 
or  nose." 

Both  hands  with  fingers  collected  at  the  palm  points  lire  brought  to 
the  temples.  The  fingers  are  then  suddenly  flipped  outward.  The  right 
arm  is  then  elevated  and  the  index-finger  and  thumb  brought  to  the  nose 
and  made  to  drop  in  jerks  to  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That 
which  pulsates  in  the  temples  and  drops  from  the  nose." 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  ex 
tended,  then  draw  the  palmar  surface  across  the  lips  from  left  to  right. 
(Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  111 ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Boat,  row. 

Make  with  both  hands  raised  to  the  level  of  the  shoulders  the  forward 
and  backward  motions  as  though  rowing  a  boat.  (Dakota  I.) 

Bring  the  hands  together,  hollowed,  little  fingers  joining,  the  thumbs 
farther  apart,  to  represent  the  body  of  a  boat,  held  before  the  breast. 
(Omaha  I.) 

Canoe. 

Both  hands  at  the  same  side  of  body,  one  above  the  other,  make  the 
movement  of  using  a  paddle  first  at  one  side  of  the  body  and  then  at 
the  other.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  manner  of  using  the  oars  and  paddle." 

Make  the  motion  of  paddling.     (Iroguois  I.) 

Body. 

The  hands  with  the  fingers  pointed  to  the  lower  part  of  the  body  are 
then  drawn  upwards.     (Dunbar.) 
6 


42 

llnth  hands,  backs  outward,  carelessly  lowered  to  front  and  sides  of 
I  highs,  foreli  Hirers  extended,  tips  slightly  touching  the  thighs,  then  draw 
i  apidly  upward  along  the  sides  of  the  body,  and  out  toward  the  shoulders. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

•foiling. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  fire,  heat  being  the  idea.     (Dakota  I.) 

Bold.     Imprudent;  rash. 

Bold  is  included  ui^Brare.  Rashness  or  imprudence  cannot  be  separa 
ted  from  Brave,  as  the  distinction  is  too  fine  a  one  for  the  Indian's 
comprehension.  (Dakota  I.) 

Book. 

Place  the  right  palm  upon  the  left  palm,  and  then  open  both  before 
the  face.  (liurton.) 

(1)  Both  hands  brought  to  a  reading  distance  and  made  to  represent 
a  book  open,  or  much  as  it  would  be  while  holding  it  in  the  hand  and 
reading,  little  fingers  not  touching;  (2)  motion  made  with  the  face  and 
eyes  as  though  intently  reading.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

.Make  with  the  right  hand  at  the  right  side  of  the  body  the  move 
ments  of  using  the  pen  in  writing,  and  then  carry  the  hand  to  the  front 
of  the  breasts,  where  the  left  hand  is  held  horizontal  with  fingers 
extended,  pointing  outward,  palm  upward  (X),  and  close  the  right  hand 
with  palm  down,  fingers  extended,  &c.  (W),  on  the  left,  as  though 
closing  an  open  book.  First  part  of  the  sign  denotes  writing.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  From  the  act  of  closing  an  open  book." 

Both  arms  are  elevated  and  semi-extended,  with  the  hands  open  and 
parallel  before  the  face;  palms  upward ;  the  eyes  directed  intently  there 
in.  The  right  hand  is  then  raised  and  turned  into  a  modified  position 
(H),  and  seemingly  writes  in  the  open  palm  of  the  left.  The  hands  are 
then  reapproxi mated  m  position  (X)  before  the  face  and  approach  and 
diverge  as  in  the  opening  and  closing  of  a  book's  leaves.  The  thickness 
is  indicated  by  holding  the  right  hand  at  the  desired  distance  above 
the  left,  open.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something  written  that  opens 
and  closes  from  which  we  read." 

Bone. 

Make  the  sign  for  the  animal  to  which  the  bone  belongs,  and  then 
touch  the  particular  part  or  place  in  the  body  to  which  the  bone  belongs. 
{ Dnkntti  I.)  «  Locating  the  bone." 

Born,  To  be. 

IMaee  the  left  hand  in  front  of  the  body,  a  little  to  the  right,  the  palm 
downward  and  slightly  arched;  pass  the  extended  right  hand  down 
ward,  forward,  and  upward,  forming  a  short  curve  underneath  the  left. 
(DnkotaV.)  "This  is  based  upon  the  curve  followed  by  the  head  of 


43 

the  child  during'  birlh,  and  is  used  genericaUy?  The  sign,  with  additions, 
means  "  father,"  "  mother,"  "  grandparent,"  but  its  expurgated  form 
among  the  French  deaf-mutes  means  "parentage"  generically,  for  which 
term  there  is  a  special  sign  reported  from  our  Indians.  See  Parent 
age  (Dodge). 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  downward,  forward,  and  upward  in  front  of 
the  lower  portion  of  the  abdomen  and  pubis.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Pass  the  right  hand,  naturally  relaxed,  downward  from  the  lower  part 
of  the  chest,  forward  from  the  pubis,  and  upward  a  short  distance,  form 
ing  a  curve  with  the  convexity  downward.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III  ; 
Ute  I;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Hold  the  extended  left  hand  transversely  in  front  of  the  lower  portion 
of  the  abdomen,  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  it,  and  slightly  arched, 
then  pass  the  flat,  right  hand  downward  between  the  body  and  the  left 
hand,  forward  and  slightly  upward  beyond  it.  (Apache  I.)  "  The  left 
hand  represents  the  pubic  arch  ;  the  right,  the  curve  of  Carus." 

Bottle. 

Denote  the  size  of  the  bottle  on  the  upheld  left  forearm  by  drawing 
across  the  edge  of  the  right  hand  with  fingers  extended  and  palm 
downward,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Drinking".  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  drinking  out  of  a  bottle." 

The  left  arm  is  semi-extended  before  the  body,  and  the  hand  is  held 
up  with  the  fingers  collected  up  and  down  as  in  (E),  more  horizontal  ;  the 
index  and  thumb  make  a  circle.  A  small  bottle  is  represented  by  the 
right  index  extended  sawing  on  the  knuckle-joint  of  the  left  index.  (  Oto 
and  Missouri  I.)  u  The  shape  and  grasp  of  the  bottle." 


weapon. 

The  left  hand  being  a  little  extended,  the  right  hand  touches  it  and 
makes  the  motion  of  drawing  the  cord  of  the  bow.  (Duribar.) 

The  hands  are  placed  as  in  the  attitude  of  drawing  the  arrow  in  the 
bow.  (Long.) 

Draw  the  right  arra  back  completely,  as  if  drawing  the  bow-string, 
while  the  left  arm  is  extended  with  clinched  hand.  (Wied.)  There  is 
a  similarity  of  conception  in  the  sign  given  by  me  (Oto  and  Missouri  I) 
and  Wied's,  but  in  execution  the  latter  represents  almost  identically  the 
the  Oto  sign  for  "  To  shoot  an  Arrow."  (Boteler.) 

Make  the  movement  of  bending  it.    (Burton.) 

(1)  Left  hand  slightly  closed  as  though  grasping  bow,  and  middle 
finger  of  right  hand  within  three  or  four  inches  of  the  left  hand  and 
apparently  grasping  a  string;  (2)  drawn  two  or  three  times  in  imitation 
of  drawing  a  bow-string.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


44 

Draw  back  the  right  hand  from  the  left,  held  iii  front  of  the  body,  as 
though  drawing  back  the  arrow  fixed  in  the  string  of  the  bow. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  drawing  of  the  bow." 

Incline  the  head  a  little  toward  the  right;  raise  the  nearly  closed  left 
hand,  back  ontward  to  the  height  of  the  shoulder,  nearly  at  arm's 
length  forward,  and  while  pushing  the  left  hand  ahead  and  a  little  to 
ward  the  left,  draw  the  nearly  closed  right  hand,  its  back  outward  from 
iM-ar  it  backward  and  toward  right,  as  if  drawing  the  bow.  ( Dakota  IV.) 

The  left  fist,  back  forward,  thumb  upward,  is  held  a  foot  or  two  in  front 
of  the  chest  as  if  grasping  a  bow.  The  right  hand,  with  thumb  upward, 
the  finger  tips  forward  and  two  or  more  of  them  in  contact  with  the 
thumb  (position  of  holding  the  string),  is  held  a  few  inches  behind  the 
left  hand.  Then  a  slight  motion  backwards  of  the  right  hand  may  or 
may  not  be  made.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  left  arm  was  then  slightly  bent  and  extended  antero  laterally  from 
the  body.  In  this  position  it  is  made  to  resemble  the  shape  of  a  bow. 
The  position  of  the  hand  is  variable  and  unimportant,  but  it  is  generally 
clinched  as  in  (D),  probably  to  represent  the  holding  of  the  bow-string^ 
as  it  is  always  secured  at  the  end  of  the  bow.  The  right  hand  is 
sometimes  approximated,  as  in  setting  an  arrow.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  The  shape  of  the  bow  and  its  use." 


To  draw  the. 


The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Bow,  then  the  right  hand  is 
moved  backwards  a  foot  or  more  as  in  the  act  of  drawing  a  bow.  (Hi- 
datxa  I.) 


To  shoot  or  kill  with  the. 


Hold  the  left  fist,  back  outward,  nearly  at  arm's  length  forward,  point 
toward  it  with  the  right  index,  palm  inward,  from  in  front  of  the  right 
shoulder ;  then  drop  the  left  hand  and  after  hooking  the  right  thumb 
over  the  fingers  of  right  hand,  suddenly  let  them  fly  forward.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

Bowl. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Kettle,  except  the  latter  part  of  the  sign  in 
dicating  placing  it  on  the  tire.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  distinction  is  not  a  fine  one  between  Kettle,  Bucket,  Cup,  Bowl, 
Basin,  &c.,  and  either  of  them  may  be  indicated  in  the  same  sign,  but 
the  connection  in  which  the  sign  is  used  is  generally  sufficient  to  denote 
the  particular  article  to  which  reference  is  made.  (Dakota  I.)  "From 
its  use." 

Box. 

Designate  size  of  box  on  the  upheld  left  arm  by  drawing  the  edge  of 


4o 

the  right  hand  over  it  with  extended  fingers,  and  then  both  arms  ex 
tended  in  front  of  body,  hands  horizontal,  fingers  extended,  backs  out 
ward,  to  the  sides,  are  held  on  the  level  of  the  breast.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Size 
of  the  box." 

Boy.    See  Child. 

Brave. 

Close  the  fists,  place  the  left  near  the  breast,  and  move  the  right  over 
the  left  toward  the  left  side.  ( Wied.)  A  motion  something  like  this, 
which  I  do  not  now  distinctly  recall — a  sort  of  wrenching  motion  with 
the  fists  in  front  of  the  chest — I  have  seen  used  for  Strong.  If  WiedP s 
sign-maker's  hand  first  struck  the  region  over  the  heart  (as  he  may  have 
done)  he  would  then  have  indicated  a  "strong  heart,"  which  is  the 
equivalent  for  Brave.  (Matthews.) 

Clinch  the  right  fist,  and  place  it  to  the  breast.  (Absaroka  I ;  SJio- 
shoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Both  hands  fist ;  the  left  (A)  moved  up  close  to  the  body  to  the  height 
of  the  chin,  at  the  same  time  the  right  is  brought  up  and  thrown  over 
the  left  (as  it  is  moved  up)  with  an  outward  and  downward  curved  mo 
tion  ;  the  left  hand  is  carried  upward  and  downward  and  the  movement 
of  the  right  reversed  two  or  three  times.  Endurance  is  expressed  by 
this  sign,  and  it  is  connected  with  the  sun-dance  trials  of  the  young  man 
in  testing  his  braver^'  and  powers  of  endurance  before  admission  to  the 
ranks  of  the  warriors.  (Dakota  I.) 

Push  the  two  fists  forward  about  a  foot,  at  the  height  of  the  breast, 
the  right  about  two  inches  behind  the  left,  palms  inward.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"The  hands  push  all  before  them." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  elevated  j  the  hand  is  then  placed  over 
left  eye  much  in  type-position  (B).  It  is  then  twisted  from  left  to  right 
across  forehead  until  at  right  side  of  head  when  the  motion  stops  with 
fists  palm  outwards.  That  is  readily  unwound,  As  good  will.  (Oto  I.) 

Strike  the  breast  gently  with  the  palmar  side  of  the  right  fist.  ( Wy- 
andot  I.) 

Strike  the  clinched  fist  forcibly  toward  the  ground  in  front  of  and  near 
the  breast.  (Arikara  I.) 


He  is  the  bravest  of  all. 


Raise  right  hand,  fingers  extended,  palm  downward  (  JV  1),  swing 
it  around  "  over  all,"  the  point  to  the  man  (fig.  1),  raise  left  fist  (A  1, 
changed  to  left  and  palm  inward)  to  a  point  in  front  of  and  near  the 
body,  close  fingers  of  right  hand  and  place  the  fist  (A  2,  palm  inward) 
between  left  fist  and  body  and  then  with  violent  movement  throw  it 


46 

over  left  fist,  as  though  breaking  something,  and  stop  at  a  point  in  front 
of  and  little  below  left  tist,  and  lastly  point  upward  with  right  hand, 
(fig.  2).  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Of  all  here  he  is  strongest," 

The  right  fist,  palm  downward,  is  struck  against  the  breast  several 
times,  and  the  index  is  then  quickly  elevated  before  the  face,  pointing 
upward.  (Apcwhe  I.) 

Only  by  showing  willingness  to  tight.     (Apache  III.) 

lh>uf-wute  natural  sign.— To  run  forward  with  a  bold  expression  of 
the  countenance.  (Larson.) 

Pantomime.— Not  to  run  back  but  to  run  forward.     (Zeiyler.) 

Brave. 

"  Hold  firmly  closed  left  hand  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  centre  of 
body,  left  forearm  horizontal,  pointing  to  right  and  front,  back  of  left 
hand  vertical,  and  on  line  of  prolongation  of  forearm ;  bringing  the  firmly 
closed  right  hand  some  six  inches  above  and  a  little  in  front  of  left  hand, 
back  to  right  and  front,  and  on  line  of  forearm;  strike  downward  with 
right  hand,  mostly  by  elbow  action,  the  second  joints  of  right  hand 
passing  close  to  and  about  on  a  line  with  knuckles  of  left  hand. 

"1  believe  there  is  no  gesture  in  the  Indian  sign-language  that  is  as 
flexible  and  possesses  as  much  strength  and  character  in  its  meaning  as 
this,  for,  when  added  to  other  signs,  it  intensifies  their  description 
wonderfully;  adds,  in  fact,  the  superlative  to  every  idea;  gives  heroic 
character  to  bravery;  arrant  cowardice  to  timidity;  makes  an  ordinary 
meal  a  feast,  and  of  a  fast,  starvation  ;  pleasure  becomes  bliss,  and  care 
most  bitter  sorrow.  Pointing  to  a  man  and  making  this  sign  would 
convey  to  an  Indian's  mind  the  idea  that  he  was  brave,  fearless ;  and 
tliis,  to  tin-in,  is  the  highest,  most  perfect,  virtue,  and  creates  not  only 
respect,  but  positive  reverence." 

The  foregoing  is  quoted  from  an  article  in  the  United  Service  for  July, 
1880,  written  by  an  author  who,  according  to  his  strong  expressions,  is 
obviously  afflicted  with  a  theory  of  a  stereotype  and  universal  sign  lan 
guage  among  the  Indians,  which  is  supported  by  his  avowedly  taking 
"  means  "  of  signs.  His  descriptions  are  therefore  liable  to  some  of  the 
cautionary  remarks  in  the  Introductory  Letter  to  this  pamphlet,  but  as 
it  is  highly  interesting  to  ascertain  the  use  of  an  intensive  or  superlative 
sign,  the  quotation  is  printed  to  attract  the  attention  of  correspondents. 
If  they  meet  with,  or  can  recall  the  precise  sign  as  above  described,  and 
in  the  same  exa<rt  sense,  they  will  please  state  the  tribe  and  all  particu- 
lais.  Something  like  this  sign,  with  some  resemblance  to  its  use  as  an 
intrusive,  appears  elsewhere  in  this  paper,  but  not  with  the  signification 
of  "  brave,"  under  which  head  it  was  given  by  the  author  and  therefore 
is  so  placed  here. 


47 

Bread. 

Combine  signs  for  Flour  and  Fire.    (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  in  front  of  body,  fists,  backs  obliquely  down  ward,  push  up 
and  down  several  times  as  though  kneading  the  dough,  and  then  at  a 
higher  elevation  both  hands,  one  above  the  other  about  8  inches,  hori 
zontal,  left  hand  below,  back  downward  (X)  right  hand  above,  back 
upward  (TV)  change  the  positions  of  the  hands  (W  taking  the  place  occu 
pied  by  X)  two  or  three  times.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  packing  and 
shaping  of  the  loaf." 

The  right  hand  being  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  chest,  opened  and 
relaxed,  pointing  obliquely  forward  toward  the  left,  quickly  throw  the 
left  hand,  palm  downward,  and  lay  it  across  the  right,  then  rapidly  separ 
ate  the  hands,  and  turning  the  palm  of  the  left  upward  and  the  right 
downward,  lay  the  right  across  the  left.  Repeat  this  maneuver  several 
times.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Forming  a  piece  of  dough  into  a  cake  or  loaf." 

Hard  ;  crackers,  &c. 

After  making  the  first  part  of  the  above  sign,  carry  the  left  hand  in 
front  of  the  left  breast  with  fingers  extended,  joined,  flat,  hoiizontal 
ends  of  fingers  forward,  and  the  edge  of  the  right  hand  with  fingers 
extended  is  drawn  across  the  palm  of  the  left  at  proper  distances  cross 
wise.  (Dakota  I.) 

Break. 

Both  hands  brought  one  above  the  other  around  to  front  of  body, 
closed  as  though  grasping  small  stick,  and  suddenly  turned  in  opposite 
directions  to  imitate  breaking.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  extended  forefinger  of  both  hands  ( J 1)  meeting  at  their  tips  in 
front  of  body,  palms  inward,  and  then  separate  the  fingers  by  an  outward 
movement  as  though  breaking  anything  in  two.  (Dakota  I.)  "From 
the  breaking  of  a  twig." 

The  fists  being  near  together,  directed  forward  and  backs  upward, 
turn  the  outer  sides  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick.  (Dakota  IV.) 

With  both  hands  placed  side  by  side,  thumbs  touching,  throw  them 
outward  and  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Both  fists  (backs  upward,  knuckles  forward,  thumbs  one  or  two  inches 
apart)  are  held  at  a  common  level  six  or  more  inches  in  front  of  the 
chest,  then  simultaneously  the  forearms  are  semi-rotated  so  as  to  bring 
the  thumbs  uppermost.  Other  methods  of  breaking  have  other  signs 
to  represent  them.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  arms  are  uniformly  flexed  and  the  hands  in  type-position  (B) 
approximated  before  the  body.  The  hands  are  thus  palms  downwards.- 


4S 

The  sign  is  completed  by  turning  them  over  towards  the  side  as  in 
regularly  bending  or  breaking  a  stick.  Sign  ends  with  palms  up.  ( Oto 
I.)  u  Something  torn  apart." 

Both  hands  closed,  palms  down,  thumbs  touching,  then  throw  both 
downward  and  outward,  toward  their  respective  sides  as  if  breaking  a 
stick.  If  this  gesture  is  accompanied  by  a  movement  of  the  body  for 
ward,  and  facial  accompaniment  of  exertion,  it  represents  greater 
destruction  by  breaking  or  the  increased  requirement  of  strength  to 
break  the  object  referred  to.  ( Ute  I  j  Apache  I.) 

Seize  an  imaginary  object,  hold  it  in  two  fists  (A.  palm  down),  turn 
fists  outward  and  palms  up  (broken).  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Clinch  the  hands  and  turn  them  as  ill  the 
act  of  breaking  a  stick.  (Ballard.) 

Use  the  shut  hands  as  if  to  break  a  stick.     (Hasenstab.) 

Nod  the  head  slowly  with  the  upper  teeth  rested  on  the  lower  lip 
and  the  eyes  opened  widely  to  express  astonishment,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  use  the  shut  hand  with  the  forefinger  up  as  if  to  give  a  warning, 
and  then  use  the  shut  hands  as  if  to  break  something.  (Hasenstab.) 

Place  the  fists  together  and  suddenly  raise  them  apart,  forming  an 
angle  (either  right  or  obtuse.)  (Larson.) 

To  use  both  shut  hands  as  if  to  break  a  stick.     (Zeigler.) 

Broken. 

Twist  oft'  left  forefinger  with  right  forefinger  and  thumb.  (Apache 
III. 

Breech-cloth. 

Pass  the  flat  hand  from  between  the  legs  upward  toward  the  belly. 
(Vfied.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use  among  these  Indians.  (Matthews.) 
Metaphorically  speaking  there  is  identity  with  Wied's  sign  and  mine. 
(Oto  and  Mimtouri  I.)  In  the  latter,  the  sign  is  given  for  the  thing  sig 
nified.  By  the  Prince  of  Wied  the  conception  is  the  article  itself.  By 
the  Oto,  that  which  invariably  accompanies  and  supports  it.  (Boteler.) 

Draw  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  upward,  between  the  legs  from 
behind  forward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  were  flexed  and  somewhat  raised  at  the  sides;  the  hands, 
then  in  position  (K),  inverted,  are  brought  to  the  prominences  of  the 
hips.  The  hands  are  then  brought  around  to  the  pubis  in  an  approach 
ing  line  and  there  twisted  over  each  other,  as  in  tying  a  knot.  The 
movement  in  this  sign  represents  the  tying  of  the  cord  that  passes 
around  over  the  hips  to  support  the  breech-cloth.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"That  which  is  tied  on  with  a  cord  at  the  hips." 


49 

Bridle. 

The  extended  forefinger  of  both  hands  (all  others  closed)  (3H),  meeting 
at  their  tips  are  placed  backs  against  and  covering  the  mouth  (this  is 
the  bit)  and  then  separated,  drawn  upward  along  their  respective  sides 
of  the  face  in  front  of  the  ears  until  they  meet  at  the  back  part  of  the 
top  of  the  head.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  wearing  of  the  bridle." 

Both  hands,  with  extended  indices  as  in  (K),  meet  on  the  top  of  the 
head  and  describe  a  line  down  the  sides  of  the  face,  then  meet  in  the 
center  of  the  mouth  and  diverge.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  position 
of  the  same  on  animal's  head." 

Bring  to  me.    See  Give. 

Broad,  wide.     See  Big1  in  the  sense  of  Wide. 

Brother;  brother  and  sister.    See  Relationship. 

Broom. 

Both  hands  joined,  in  front  of  the  stomach,  backs  outward,  fingers 
extended  and  pointing  obliquely  downward,  make  a  pushing  forward 
and  backward  movement  from  the  wrists  as  though  brushing  or  push 
ing  dirt  before  the  broom.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  manner  of  using 
their  primitive  brush  broom." 

Bull. 

First  make  at  the  sides  of  the  head  the  horns  of  the  animal  by  crook 
ing  backward  the  index-fingers,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Male 
applied  to  animals,  which  is  the  same  as  applied  to  human  beings. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Denoting  the  sex  of  the  animal." 

Bullet. 

Make  the  sign  of  the  exploding  of  the  powder,  then  grasp  the  fore 
finger  of  the  hand  with  the  remaining  fingers  and  thumb,  so  that  the 
tip  of  it  will  so  extend  beyond  them  as  to  represent  the  ball.  (Long.} 

(1)  Make  the  sign  for  Ball ;  (2)  forefinger  and  thumb  of  right  hand 
used  as  in  the  act  of  grasping  some  small  object  in  front  of  the  face,  and 
between  it  and  left  hand,  which  represents  a  half  circle  by  means  of  the 
middle  finger  and  thumb ;  (3)  forefinger  of  right  hand  suddenly  extended 
and  pushed  through  the  imaginary  circle  of  which  the  middle  finger  and 
thumb  of  the  left  hand  forms  one-half.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left  hand  hooked  (G),  nearly  closed;  i.  e.,  leaving  a  small  circular 
opening,  thumb  resting  on  the  backs  of  the  2d  and  3d  phalanges  of  all 
the  fingers,  is  held  horizontal  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  with  back  to 
ward  the  left  (this  represents  the  barrel  of  a  gun),  then  the  index  and 
thumb  of  the  right  extended  and  nearly  joined  at  tips  as  though  holding 
7 


a  round  bullet  between  them  (this  is  the  bullet),  is  carried  to  the  left 
hand  and  the  fingers  relaxed  as  though  placing  the  bulletin  the  circular 
opening,  and  then  strike  down  on  the  left  hand,  with  the  edge  of  the 
right  fist  (A  1)  as  though  driving  the  bullet  home.  This  sign  is  that  for 
loading  a  gun.  (Dakota  I.) 


Burn. 


To  destroy. 


Move  the  right  hand  (F)  in  front  of  the  body  as  though  throwing 
something  forward,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Fire.  (Dakota  I.) 

Of  the  body. 

Touch  the  burnt  part  with  the  right  index  and  then  make  the  sign 
for  Fire.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  fire." 

Bury,  To. 

Botli  flat  and  extended  hands  held  at  arms'-length  before  the  abdomen, 
edges  down,  and  about  an  inch  or  two  apart,  thumbs  touching;  both 
hands  are  then  thrown  outward  toward  their  respective  sides  repeatedly, 
as  it'  throwing  away  from  their  upper  surfaces  some  light  substance. 
Then  reverse  the  motion  from  without  inward.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 
"Throwing  up  earth  from  a  ditch,  and  returning  it." 

Buy.    See  Trade. 

Camp. 

Clinch  both  hands,  hold  them  upward  before  the  breasts,  thumbs 
touching,  then  pass  them  forward,  each  describing  a  semicircle,  so  that 
the  outer  edges  touch  at  the  termination  of  the  gesture.  (Arikara  I.) 

Cannon. 

Thumb  of  the  right  hand  under  the  fingers;  i.  e.,  in  the  palm  of  the 
hand,  otherwise  fist  (B);  snap  out  the  fingers  and  thumb  in  front  of  the 
right  breast,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Big.  (Dakota  I.)  "The  big 
explosion  From  the  smoke  made  on  the  discharge  of  a  cannon." 

Cap,  percussion.    See  Gun. 
Capture,  To.    See  Prisoner,  to  take. 

Cards,  playing. 

(1)  Left  hand  fully  opened,  slant,  and  held  up  to  the  level  and  in  front 
of  the  shoulder;  (2)  sudden  pecking  motion  made  with  the  partially- 
closet!  lingers  of  the  right  hand  five  or  six  times  towards  the  palm  of 
the  open  left  hand,  as  though  throwing  cards.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

<;«>  through  the  motion  of  dealing  from  a  pack  of  cards,  and  throwing 
one  each  to  imaginary  players,  right,  front,  and  left.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 


51 

Cattle. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Buffalo  and  then  the  sign  for  Spotted. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "  Spotted  buffalo." 

Both  arms  are  elevated  to  head  flexed.  The  hands,  both,  are  brought 
to  sides  of  head  at  parietal  ridges  in  position  (K),  and  thus  held  a  minute ; 
the  head  is  then  rotated  to  the  several  sides.  (Oto  I.)  "Animal  with 
horns." 

Make  the  sign  for  Buffalo,  then  extend  the  left  forefinger  and  draw 
the  extended  index  across  it  repeatedly  at  different  places.  (Absaroka 
I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "Literally,  spotted  buffalo." 

To  round  up. 

Place  the  closed  hands  horizontally  before  the  chest,  leaving  the  fore 
fingers  curved,  then  make  a  beckoning  motion  with  both  simultaneously, 
the  right  moving  over  the  left,  as  if  hooking  at  imaginary  stalks  of 
grain.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Cattle 
(horns)  brought  together." 

Chair. 

Right  forearm  extended  from  the  elbow  at  right  angles  (L),  with  the 
hand  fist  (A),  with  back  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  This  sign  also  denotes 
eit  down.  "  From  its  use." 

Challenge. 

Florentine  sign.— A  fist  clinched,  with  the  thumb  thrust  out  under  the 
forefinger.  (Butler.) 

Chicken  cock,  domestic. 

Bring  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right  hand  together,  and,  holding 
the  hand  moderately  elevated,  move  it  across,  imitating  the  motion  of 
the  head  of  a  cock  in  walking.  (Dunbar.) 

(1)  Sign  for  Bird ;  (2)  tips  of  fingers  and  thumb  of  right  hand 
closed  and  pointing  downward ;  (3)  motion  of  scratching  and  pecking 
imitated.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Chief*,  a. 

The  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  extended,  pass  it  perpendicularly 
downward,  then  turn  it  upward,  and  raise  it  in  a  right  line  as  high  as 
the  head.  (Long.)  "  Rising  above  others." 

Raise  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand,  holding  it  straight  upward, 
then  turn  it  in  a  circle  and  bring  it  straight  down,  a  little  toward  the 
earth.  ( Wied.)  The  right  hand  is  raised,  and  in  position  ( J)  describes  a 
semicircle  as  in  beginning  the  act  of  throwing.  The  arm  is  elevated 
perfectly  erect  aside  of  the  head,  the  palm  of  the  index  and  hand  should 


52 

be  outwards.  There  is  an  evident  similarity  iu  both  execution  and  con 
ception  of  this  sign  and  Wietfs ;  the  little  variation  may  be  the  result  of 
differeiit  interpretation.  The  idea  of  superiority  is  most  prominent  in 
both.  "A  prominent  one  before  whom  all  succumb."  (Boteler.)  Wietfs 
air-picture  reminds  of  the  royal  scepter  with  its  sphere. 

Raise  the  forefinger,  pointed  upwards,  in  a  vertical  direction,  and  then 
reverse  both  finger  and  motion ;  the  greater  the  elevation  the  "  bigger" 
the  chief.  (Arapaho  I.) 

(1)  Sign  for  Tlan  ;  (2)  middle,  third,  little  finger,  and  thumb  slightly 
closed  together,  forefinger  pointing  forward  and  downward;  (3)  curved 
motion  made  forward,  outward,  and  downward.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "He 
who  stands  still  and  commands,"  as  shown  by  similarity  of  signs  to  Sit 
here  or  Stand  here,  "  the  man  who  stands  still  and  directs." 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (J),  of  which  the  other  fin. 
gers  are  closed,  is  raised  to  the  right  side  of  the  head  and  above  it  as 
far  as  the  arm  can  be  extended,  and  then  the  hand  is  brought  down  in 
front  of  the  body  with  the  wrist  bent,  the  back  of  hand  in  front  and  the 
extended  forefinger  pointing  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Raised  above 
others." 

Move  the  upright  and  extended  right  index,  palm  forward,  from  the 
•boulder  up  ward  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head,  turn  it  through  a  curve, 
and  move  it  forward  six  inches,  and  then  downward,  its  palm  backward, 
to  the  height  of  the  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Above  all  others.  He 
looks  over  or  after  us." 

Elevate  the  extended  index  before  the  shoulder,  pass  it  upward  as 
high  as  the  lu-ad,  forming  a  short  curve  to  the  front,  and  downward 
again  slightly  to  the  front.  (Dakota  VI,  VII ;  Hidatm  I  j  Arikara  I.) 

Right  hand  closed,  forefinger  pointing  up,  raise  the  hand  from  the 
waist  iu  front  of  the  body  till  it  passes  above  the  head.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another  sign  :  Bring  the  closed  right  hand,  forefinger  pointing  up,  on 
a  level  with  the  face ;  then  bring  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  with  force 
against  the  right  forefinger ;  next  send  up  the  right  hand  above  the 
head,  leaving  the  left  as  it  is.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  extended  by  side  of  head,  with  the  hand  in  position 
( J).  The  arm  and  hand  then  descend,  the  finger  describing  a  semicircle 
with  the  arm  as  a  radius.  The  sign  stops  with  arm  hanging  at  full 
length.  (Oto  I.)  "  The  arm  of  authority  before  whom  all  must  fall." 

Both  hands  elevated  to  a  position  in  front  of  and  high  as  the  shoul 
ders,  palms  facing,  fingers  and  thumbs  spread  and  slightly  curved  ;  the 
hands  are  then  drawn  outward  a  short  distance  towards  their  respective 
sides  and  gently  elevated  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
"  One  who  is  elevated  by  others." 


Elevate  the  closed  hand— index  only  extended  and  pointing  upward — 
to  the  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  face  or  neck  or  shoulder,  pass  it 
quickly  upward,  and  when  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head,  direct  it  for 
ward  and  downward  again  toward  the  ground.  (Kaioical;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  index  raised,  extended,  and  placed  before  the 
breast,  then  move  it  forward  from  the  mouth,  pointing  forward,  until  at 
arm's  length.  ( Ute  I.) 

Head  chief  of  tribe. 

Place  both  flat  hands  before  the  body,  palms  down,  and  pass  them 
horizontally  outward  toward  their  respective  sides,  then  make  the  sign 
for  Chief.  (Arikara  I.)  "  Chief  of  the  wide  region  and  those  upon  it." 

After  pointing  out  the  man,  point  to  the  ground  all  fingers 
closed  except  first  (J  1,  pointing  downward  instead  of  upward),  then 
point  upward  with  same  hand  ( J  2),  then  move  hand  to  a  point  in  front 
of  body  (Fig.  2),  fingers  extended  palm  downward  (W  1)  and  move 
around  in  circle — over  all.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  In  this  place  he  is  head 
over  all." 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  the  right  hand,  palm  backward,  pass  the  hand 
upward  about  six  inches  and  hold  it  in  that  position  a  moment.  (Pai- 
Ute  I.) 

Elevate  the  extended  index  vertically  above  and  in  front  of  the  head, 
holding  the  left  hand,  forefinger  pointing  upward,  from  one  to  two  feet 
below  and  underneath  the  right,  the  position  of  the  left,  either  elevated 
or  depressed,  also  denoting  the  relative  position  of  the  second  individual 
to  that  of  the  chief.  (Apache  I.) 

War.     Head  of  a  war  party ;  Partisan. 

First  make  the  sign  of  the  Pipe ;  then  open  the  thumb  and  index- 
finger  of  the  right  hand,  back  of  the  hand  outward,  moving  it  forward 
and  upward  in  a  curve.  (  Wiei.)  By  the  title  of  "  Partisan"  the  author 
meant,  as  indeed  was  the  common  expression  of  the  Canadian  voy- 
ageurs,  a  leader  of  an  occasional  or  volunteer  war  party.  The  sign  is 
explained  by  his  account  in  a  different  connection,  that  to  become  recog 
nized  as  a  leader  of  such  a  war  party,  the  first  act  among  the  tribes 
using  the  sign  was  the  consecration,  by  fasting  succeeded  by  feasting, 
of  a  medicine  pipe  without  ornament,  which  the  leader  of  the  expedition 
afterward  bore  before  him  as  his  badge  of  authority,  and  it  therefore 
naturally  became  an  emblematic  sign.  There  may  be  interest  in  noting 
that  the  "Calandar  of  the  Dakota  Nation"  (Bulletin  U.  S.  G.  and  Gr. 
Survey,  vol.  iii.,  No.  1),  gives  a  figure  (No.  43,  A.  D.  1S42),  showing 
"One  Feather,"  a  Sioux  chief,  who  raised  in  that  year  a  large  war  party 
agamst  the  Crows,  which  fact  is  simply  denoted  by  his  holding  out, 
demonstratively,  an  unornamented  pipe. 


54 
Combine  signs  for  Chief  and  Battle.     (Arapaho  I.) 

First  make  the  sigu  for  Battle  and  then  that  for  Chief.     (7>a- 
I.)    "First  in  battle.'' 

-  Of  a  band. 

Point  tin-  extended  index  forward  and  upward  before  the  chest,  then 
place  the  spread  fingers  of  the  left  hand  around  the  index,  but  at  a  short 
distance  behind  it.  all  pointing  the  same  direction.  Ahead  of  the  re 
mainder.  (Arikara  I.) 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  the  right  hand,  palm  backward,  and  pretend 
to  lay  the  hair  down  over  the  right  side  of  the  head  by  passing  the  hand 
in  that  direction. 


The  French  deaf  mute  sign  for  Order,  Command,  may  be  compared 
with  several  of  the  above  signs.  In  it  the  index  tip  first  touches  the 
lower  tip,  then  is  raised  above  the  head  SMM!  brought  down  with  violence. 
(L't'Hxritjn>nrnt  pri  mil  ire  <le*  xourdH-muet*;  par  M.  Pelissier.  Paris,  1850.) 

Child;  Baby;  Infant;  Offspring. 

Bring  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  and  place  them  against 
the  lips,  then  draw  them  away  and  biing  the  right  hand  against  the 
forearm  of  the  left  as  if  holding  an  infant.  Should  the  child  be  male, 
prefix  the  siiin  of  a  man  before  this  sign,  and  if  a  female,  do  so  by  the 
Sign  of  the  woman.  (Itunhnr.) 

If  an  Indian  wishes  to  tell  you  that  an  individual  present  is  his  off 
spring,  he  points  to  the  person,  and  then  with  the  finger  still  extended, 
passes  it  forward  from  his  loins  in  a  line  curving  downward,  then 
slightly  upward.  (Lon<j.) 

Push  the  index-finger  rapidly  into  the  air  then  draw  the  hand  back 
downward.  (  Wied.)  The  right  arm  is  brought  up  and  flexed  toward 
the  body.  The  open  hand  then  describes  a  semicircle  downward  and 
outward  similar  to  the  curve  of  Cams,  and  stops  with  the  hand  erect. 
The  palm  is  first  toward  the  body,  but  at  the  completion  of  the  sign, 
outward.  There  is  no  similarity  between  this  sign  and  Wleffs  save  in 
the  method  of  indicating  its  age  or  size.  The  upturned  palm  as  indi 
cating  species  will  not  obtain  among  the  Otos.  (Boteler.)  "  That  has 
been  born  or  come  forth."  The  distance  from  the  ground  when  the  mo 
tion  ceases  indicates  the  height  of  the  child  referred  to.  Indians  often 
distinguish  the  height  of  human  beings  by  the  hand  placed  at  the  proper 
elevation,  hack  downward,  and  that  of  inanimate  objects  or  animals  not 
human,  l>y  the  hand  held  back  upward. 

A  sou  or  daughter  is  expressed  by  making  with  the  hand  a  movement 
denoting  issue  from  the  loins;  if  the  child  be  small,  a  bit  of  the  index 
held  l>etween  the  antagoni/.ed  thumb  and  medius  is  shown.  (Burton.) 


55 

Caresses,  by  a  man;  by  a  wouiau,  by  a  motion  representing  parturi 
tion.  (Maw/a  ican.) 

Pass  the  hand  downward  from  the  abdomen,  between  the  legs,  indi 
cating  that  it  came  that  way.  (Dodge.} 

Right  hand  fingers  somewhat  curved  and  separated  and  held  forward 
and  higher  than  the  wrist,  palm  down,  moved  in  a  short  arch  from  side 
to  side  at  the  height  representing  the  child  indicated,  and  as  if  rubbing 
the  top  of  the  head.  (Apache  I.) 

Small. 

Place  the  right  hand  a  couple  of  feet  from  the  ground,  or  lower,  back 
forward  and  fingers  pointing  upward,  then  close  both  hands  and  place 
them  in  front  of  the  navel,  backs  outward,  the  right  fist  about  three 
inches  above  the  left,  and  while  in  this  position  extend  and  flex  the 
hands  at  the  wrist  once  or  twice.  (Dakota  IV.)  "In  arm  and  small." 

One  able  to  walk. 

Right  hand  extended  in  front  of  the  body  on  level  with  the  breast, 
back  of  hand  out,  fingers  joined  and  pointing  obliquely  toward  the  left, 
turn  the  hand  over  with  palm  looking  downward  (W),  and  carry  the 
hand  downward  as  though  laying  its  palm  on  the  top  of  a  child's  head, 
the  distance  of  the  hand  from  the  ground  indicating  the  height  and  ap 
proximately  the  age  of  the  child.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Indicating  a  child's 
age  by  its  height.-" 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign  for  child,  not  a  baby  in  arms.— Put  the  hand 
when  naturally  stretched  out  down  to  the  knee.  (Larson.) 

The  Cistercian  monks,  vowed  to  silence,  and  the  Egyptian  hierogly- 
phers,  notably  in  the  designation  of  Horns,  their  dawn-god,  used  the 
finger  in  or  on  the  lips  for  "child."  It  has  been  conjectured  in  the  last 
instance  that  the  gesture  implied,  not  the  mode  of  taking  nourishment, 
but  inability  to  speak — in-fans.  This  conjecture,  however,  was  only 
made  to  explain  the  blunder  of  the  Greeks,  who  saw  in  the  hand  placed 
connected  with  the  mouth  in  the  hieroglyph  of  Horns  (the)  sou,  "  Hor- 
(p)-chrot,"  the  gesture  familiar  to  themselves  of  a  finger  on  the  lips  to 
express  "  silence,"  and  so  mistaking  both  the  name  and  the  characteri 
zation,  invented  the  God  of  Silence,  Harpokrates.  A  careful  examina 
tion  of  all  the  linear  hieroglyphs  given  by  Champollion  (Dictionnaire 
Egyptien),  shows  that  the  finger  or  hand  to  the  mouth  of  an  adult 
(whose  posture  is  always  distinct  from  that  of  a  child)  is  always  in  con 
nection  with  the  positive  ideas  of  voice,  mouth,  speech,  writing,  eating, 
drinking,  &c.,  and  never  with  the  negative  idea  of  silence.  The  special 
character  for  "child"  always  has  the  above-mentioned  part  of  the  sign 
with  reference  to  nourishment  from  the  breast. 


Baby,  Infant. 

Place  the  foivtingvr  in  the  mouth,  •»'.  c.,  a  nursing  child.     (Arapaho  I.) 

(1)  Sign  for  woman  made  from  shoulder  downward;  (2)  lowered  in 
accordance  with  size  and  height  of  child.  If  a  baby,  both  hands  open 
and  palms  slightly  curled  up  brought  up  to  front  of  breast,  slight  up 
ward  ami  side-wise  rocking  motion  imitated.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Lay  the  back  of  the  right  hand  in  the  palm  of  the  left  crosswise  on 
the  left  side  of  the  breast,  and  make  the  up  and  down  movements  as 
though  holding  and  dandling  an  infant.  (Dakota  I.)  "Sex of  the  child 
can  be  designated  by  its  appropriate  sign." 

.Move  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  backward,  fingers  pointing  down 
ward,  from  the  lower  part  of  the  chest  downward  until  it  is  in  front 
of  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  here  turn  the  palm  downward  and 
move  the  hand  forward  about  eighteen  inches;  then  raise  the  left 
elbow  ami  fix  it  about  six  inches  forward  from  the  side,  the  wrist  in 
front  of  it  and  three  or  four  inches  higher,  holding  the  hand  slightly 
flexed,  its  palm  backward  and  fingers  pointing  upward,  and  lay  the 
back  of  the  opened  right  hand  on  the  left  forearm  near  the  elbow*-joint. 
(l)dkota  IV.)  "Giving  birth  to,  and  holding  in  the  arm." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  hand  brought  against  abdomen  about  the 
umbilicus.  The  hand  is  in  position  (§  1) ;  modified  by  being  inverted. 
The  hand  with  palm  towards  the  body  then  roughly  describes  "  the 
curve  of  Carus  "  or  course  of  the  foatus  in  delivery.  The  sign  is  com 
pleted  at  end  of  curve  by  the  hand  being  held  erect,  palm  outward, 
back  towards  the  body.  (Otol.)  " That  which  hath  come  forth." 

Right  and  left  hands  carried  to  the  left  breast  as  if  holding  a  very 
small  infant  there.  (Comanche  I.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs.— By  sucking  the  finger  and  placing  the  hands 
a  small  distance  apart  to  denote  the  size  of  the  child.  (Ballard.) 

Dandle  an  imaginary  baby  in  the  arms.     (Larson.) 
To  move  the  arms  as  if  to  dandle  a  baby  in  the  arms.     (Zeigler.) 
Boy. 

Hold  up  the  index-finger.  (Dodge.)  "This  is  used  when  indicating 
my  boy,  as  when  given  alone  it  would  also  signify  man." 

Right  hand  tightly  closed ;  then  place  it  before  the  body,  extend  the 
index  pointing  upward.  (Abaaroka  I ;  Shonhoni  and  Banak  I.) 

IMace  the  hand  in  first  position  for  Man,  then  open  all  of  the  fingers 
and  move  the  hand  to  the  right  about  a  foot  to  the  height  of  the  boy 
referred  to,  the  hand  to  be  horizontal,  pointing  forward,  and  its  back 
upward.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Male  one." 


Boy,  girl. 

The  most  natural  signs  descriptive  of  the  sexual  organs.   ( Comanche  I.) 

Girl. 

Join  the  two  outstretched  thumbs  and  forefingers  and  place  them  be 
fore  the  crotch.  Given  when  conversing  with  a  person  little  acquainted 
with  signs.  (Dodge.) 

Sign  for  Squaw.  To  indicate  stature,  hold  the  hand,  palm  down 
and  fingers  extended  and  joined,  at  the  proper  height.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Pass  the  flat  extended  hands,  fingers  joined,  down  the  sides  of  the 
head  as  far  as  the  shoulders,  when  they  are  drawn  forward  and  outward 
a  short  distance,  ending  with  the  tips  pointing  towards  one  another  and 
palms  down.  Then  hold  the  left  hand  and  arm  transversely  before  the 
body,  pointing  to  the  right,  and  pass  the  right  index  downward  along 
the  abdomen,  passing  it  underneath  the  left  hand,  then  outward  and 
upward,  holding  the  index  as  high  as  the  face.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni 
and  BanaTcI.)  "  Woman  born." 

Make  the  sign  for  \Voiiiaii  and  designate  age  approximately  by  the 
distance  the  right  hand  is  held  from  the  ground,  i.  e.  the  child's  height. 
The  longer  hair  denoting  the  sex  an  1  the  height  age.  (Dakota  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  \Yom:i  11 ;  then  move  the  hand,  back  forward, 
down  to  the  height  of  the  girl  referred  to,  turning  the  fingers  upward 
and  slightly  flexing  them  and  gathering  their  ends  (thumb  included) 
into  a  circle  about  two  inches  in  diameter.  (Dakota  IV.)  "The  women 
wear  the  hair  behind  the  ears  and  plaited." 

Right  hand  carried  to  the  navel,  then  with  extended  palm,  fingers 
together  and  pointing  downward,  move  the  hand  downward  to  the 
groins,  and  then  outward,  palm  still  downward  and  fingers  together. 
(Comanche  I.) 

Extend  the  left  forearm  at  an  angle  of  45°,  forward  and  upward  from 
the  elbow,  place  the  extended  flat  right  hand  with  the  outer  edge 
against  the  middle  of  the  forearm,  then  draw  the  left  towards  the 
breast,  the  right  retaining  its  relative  position  while  doing  so.  (Ute  I.) 

Both  hands  arched  or  curved,  palms  facing  and  about  four  inches 
apart ;  then  place  the  right  hand,  fingers  extended  but  joined,  to  the 
left  breast.  (Apache  I.) 

Offspring. 

Pass  the  hand,  fingers  extended  downward  and  joined,  palm  toward 
the  body,  downward,  close  to  and  in  front  of  the  body,  changing  the 
direction  outward  between  the  thighs ;  literally,  "  out  of  the  loins,"  or 
else  implying  the  act  of  parturition.     (Arapaho  I.) 
8 


Is  "  denote<l  by  aslightly  varied  dumb  show  of  issuance  from  the  loins," 
the  line  traced  showing  a  close  diagnosis  of  parturition.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  right  hand,  back  forward,  in  the  position  of  an  index-hand  point 
ing  downward,  is  held  before  the  abdomen  and  then  moved  downward 
and  forward  in  a  curve.  (Mandan  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Place  the  left  elbow  against  the  side  of  the  chest  and  bring  the  hand 
up  to  within  about  eight  or  ten  inches  of  the  face,  then  lay  the  right  flat 
hand  edgewise  transversely  into  the.  angle  formed  by  the  left  arm  and 
forearm.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Children.     Young  men  and  women. 

Both  hands  closed  and  held  at  the  height  of  the  shoulders  before  the 
body,  forefingers  straight  and  extended,  pointing  upward;  move  them 
up  and  down  alternately  and  repeatedly.  (Absarokal;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  The  individuals ;  represented  by  the  sign  for  man." 

Chinaman. 

Place  the  tips  of  the  right  hand,  thumb,  and  fingers  together,  then 
from  the  center  or  top  of  tlie  head  make  a  spiral  movement  downward 
and  in  front  of  the  shoulder  reaching  as  far  as  the  hip.  (Absaroka  I ; 
Shoshoni  and  Kanak  I.)  "  Represents  the  queue." 

Cinnabar.    See  Color,  Vermilion. 

Clean. 

With  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  both  hands,  an  arc  of  a  circle 
(semicircle),  rest  of  fingers  closed,  and  then  the  hands  are  carried 
downward  at  the  sides  of  the  face  in  front  of  body  below  the  breasts, 
tips  of  fingers  and  thumb  looking  inward,  and  complete  by  making  the 
sign  for  handsome.  (Dakotal.)  "  From  '  handsome,  pretty.'  Clean, 
pretty  face  would  seem  to  be  intended." 

Clear.    (Compare  Light.) 

The  hands  are  uplifted  and  spread  both  ways  from  the  head.  (Dun- 
bar.) 

Both  hands  with  palms  downward,  fingers  extended,  pointing  straight 
to  the  front  (W)»  are  brought  together  in  front  of  the  body  on  a  level 
with  the  stomach,  and  then  moved  sidewise  from  each  other  on  the 
same  level  for  a  few  inches.  (Dakota  1.)  "  Resembles  somewhat  the 
sign  for  broad,  and  also  for  flat,  level.  The  separation  of  two 
bodies,  the  heavier  falling  to  the  bottom  as  in  the  clearing  of  water." 

DeaJ-mute  natural  sign. — Look  at  the  sky  and  arch  the  arms  and 
hands  towards  it,  and  move  them  apart  to  indicate  the  absence  of  ob 
struction  by  clouds.  (Ballard.) 


f>9 

Clock  or  watch. 

Make  the  sign  for  Sim  to  the  right  of  the  body  height  of  head,  and 
then  close  all  the  fingers  except  the  index  which  points  upright,  carry 
the  hand  obliquely  downward  toward  the  right,  describing  with  the 
index  a  circle  decreasing  in  size  as  the  hand  is  carried  downward. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Telling  time  by  the  sun's  movements." 

The  right  hand  with  the  index  hooked  is  made  to  describe  the  arc  of 
the  horizon  before  the  forehead.  The  left  arm  is  then  semi-extended, 
fingers  collected,  but  the  index  and  thumb  crooked  to  form  a  circle.  The 
right  index  in  position  (K)  now  describes  a  circle  over  the  left  index  and 
thumb  as  held  above ;  then  a  second  circle  to  indicate  hour-marks  is 
made  in  dots,  as  it  were,  then  the  arc  of  the  horizon  is  divided  off,  as  it 
were,  in  points.  (Oto  andMissouri  I.)  " Something  circular  that  marks 
the  divisions  of  daily  time." 

Clothing1.    Blanket,  robe. 

Pass  both  fists,  crossing,  in  front  of  the  breasts,  as  if  wrapping  one's 
self  up.  ( Wied.)  Sign  still  in  use,  but  nowadays  for  blanket  as  well  as 
robe.  (Matthews.) 

Robe,  red. 

First  indicate  the  wrapping  about  the  shoulders,  then  rub  the  right 
cheek  to  indicate  the  red  color.  ( Wied.)  Here  he  means  blanket,  not 
buffalo-robe,  which  shows  that  in  his  day  the  same  radical  sign  was 
used  for  both.  (See  sign  for  Blanket.)  Buffalo  robes  were  never 
painted  of  a  uniform  color,  except  when  rubbed  with  white  or  yellow 
earth,  never  certainly  green  or  blue  throughout;  but  red,  green,  and 
blue  are  favorite  colors  for  Mackinaw  blankets.  The  signs  for  the 
colors  are  the  essential  points  to  be  noticed  in  these  descriptions.  A 
color  may  be  indicated  by  rubbing  any  object  that  possesses  it,  or  pre 
tending  to  rub  such  an  object.  (Matthews.) 

Kobe,  green. 

Indicate  the  wrapping  about  the  shoulders,  and  with  the  back  of  the 
left  hand  make  the  gesture  of  stroking  grass  upon  the  earth.  ( Wied.) 
Same  remarks  are  applicable  to  this  as  to  Robe,  Red,  q.  v.  (Mat- 
theics.) 

Put  them  on  in  pantomime.     (Burton.) 

Pantomimic  show  of  enveloping  oneself  in  a  blanket  as  worn  by  In 
dians.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  closed,  as  though  loosely  clasping  the  edge  of  a  blanket, 
aud  brought  up  in  front  of  the  middle  of  the  breast,  the  left  hand  over 
the  right,  as  though  folding  the  blanket  around  the  shoulders.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 


60 

Touch  the  article  in  question ;  in  its  absence,  a  pantomimic  show  of 
where  it  should  be  if  present.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Is  denoted  by  crossing  both  arms  in  front  of  the  body  on  a  level  with 
the  breast,  and  close  to  the  body,  with  the  hands  grasping  a  fold  of  the 
blanket— the  same  as  a  shawl  would  be  worn.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  its 
use  as  a  covering." 

From  an  upright  position,  just  above  the  corresponding  shoulder,  palm 
forward,  move  each  hand  across  the  chest,  and,  gradually  rotating  the 
hand  until  its  palm  is  backward,  place  it  against  the  opposite  shoulder, 
crossing  the  fore-arms  on  the  chest,  then  rub  the  back  of  the  left  hand 
with  the  eiids  of  the  fingers  of  the  right.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Wrapping  a 
blanket  around  the  shoulders." 

Use  both  hands  as  it  drawing  a  blanket  around  the  body  and  shoulders, 
crossing  the  forearms  over  the  breast  in  doing  so.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  arms  aie  tlexeil  ami  hands  in  type-position  (S)  crossed  on  the  front 
of  breast.  Then  withdrawn  open  downwards  and  outwards  over  limbs. 
Sometimes  both  lia  ids  in  above  positions  are  made  simply  to  touch  suc 
cessively  limbs,  body,  and  arms.  (Oto  I.)  "That  which  wraps  or  in 
closes  me." 

The  left  palm  is  laid  upon  the  chest,  then  both  hands  are  opened  and 
thrown  back  on  a  level  with  the  shoulders.  The  hands  are  now  gradu 
ally  crossed  on  the  breast,  being  closed  fist-like  as  they  come  together. 
(Oto  and  Mimtouri  I.)  "The  manner  of  folding  something  over  the 
body." 

Fold  arms  across  the  breast,  signifying  drawing  the  blanket  about  the 
shoulders,  (tinhaptin  I.) 

Elevate  both  hands  clinched  (A.)  on  a  level  with  the  shoulders  and 
then  jerk  them  across  to  the  opposite  shoulder  after  the  manner  of  wrap 
ping  up  in  a  blanket  when  it  is  cold.  For  a  buffalo  robe  the  sign  is  the 
same,  only  a  previous  sign  indicating  the  robe  is  used.  (Comanche  I.) 

Of  skin,  or  a  buffalo  robe. 

The  hands  are  placed  near  the  shoulders,  as  if  holding  the  ends  ot  the 
robe,  and  then  crossed,  as  if  drawing  the  robe  tight  around  the  shoulders. 
(Long.) 

Combine  signs  for  Clothing,  Woolen  Blanket,  and  Buf 
falo.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Sign  for  skin  followed  by  sign  for  Blanket.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

1  ii  >t  make  the  sign  for  Buffalo,  and  then  the  sign  for  Blanket. 
I.)     "  From  its  use  as  a  covering." 


61 

Both  hands  with  thumbs  and  forefingers  extended  (K 1),  back  of  hands 
outward,  are  brought  to  the  sides  of  the  head  and  carried  downward 
slightly  in  front  of  the  sides  of  the  body  to  the  level  of  the  lower  ribs 
where  the  hands  are  turned  so  the  thumbs  and  forefingers  point  down 
ward.  Pants,  coat,  and  every  other  garment  must  be  pointed  to  the 
position  where  worn.  (Dakota  I.)  "  The  entire  covering  of  a  person." 

Make  the  sign  for  wrapping  a  blanket  around  the  shoulders,  and  then 
to  indicate  the  hair  on  the  robe,  hold  the  left  forearm  horizontal  and 
directed  obliquely  forward  and  toward  the  right,  and  move  the  right 
hand  along  it  from  the  elbow  to  the  wrist,  the  back  of  the  right  hand 
against  the  forearm,  its  fingers  and  thumb  somewhat  curved  and  sepa 
rated,  pointing  upward  (as  in  P).  (Dakota  IV.) 

Coat. 

Separate  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  each  hand,  and  press  them 
downward  over  the  sides  of  the  body.  (  Wied.)  I  have  described  a  sign 
much  the  same  for  shirt.  Perhaps  he  regarded  the  Indian  hunting-shirt 
as  a  coat,  since  it  is  used  as  an  outside  garment.  The  motion  he  de 
scribes  depicts  the  pulling  down  of  a  shirt  over  the  head,  not  the  put 
ting  on  of  a  coat  of  European  fashion.  Coats  must  have  been  rare 
among  the  Upper  Missouri  Indians  in  1834.  He  says  that  the  thumb 
and  forefinger  are  separated  (but  being  thus  mentioned  together  he 
evidently  saw  them  approximated).  I  have  described  them  as  in  con 
tact.  Perhaps  the  sign  is  variable  to  this  trifling  degree  even  when 
made  by  the  same  person,  the  mere  indication  of  the  pulling  down  of  the 
shirt  being  the  essential  point.  (Matthews.) 

With  the  fingers  held  as  for  HIT**,  Tunic,  but  with  the  thumbs 
pointing,  first  carry  the  right  hand  along  the  left  arm  from  the  wrist  to 
the  shoulder  and  the  left  hand  along  the  right  arm.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Cov 
ering  the  arms." 

The  left  arm  is  partially  elevated  and  semi-extended  in  a  passive  man 
ner  from  the  body.  The  right  hand  is  then  brought  over  the  extended 
left  in  type-position  ( W).  The  back  of  hand  more  arched,  and  is  drawn 
up  over  the  left  arm  and  vice  versa.  The  fingers  of  both  hands  are  then 
twisted  over  each  other  at  points  from  the  neck  down  the  chest  as  in 
buttoning.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something  that  covers  our  arms 
and  is  buttoned  around  the  body." 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — Indicated  by  moving  the  hands  along  the 
arms  up  toward  the  shoulders.  (Rallard.) 

Take  hold  of  the  front  lappel  of  the  coat  with  one  hand  to  make  a 
movement  of  it  back  and  front,  and  point  to  it  with  the  other,  nodding 
the  head  as  if  to  indicate  goods  of  the  same  kind.  (Hasenstab.) 


62 

-  Dress,  Tunic. 

With  the  forefingers  extended  and  pointing  inward,  backs  forward, 
and  thumbs  extended  and  pointing  backward,  the  other  fingers  closed, 
move  the  hands  from  the  front  of  the  shoulders  downward  to  the 
waist.  (  Dakota  IV.)  "The  motion  of  passing  a  garment  over  the  head 
and  covering  the  body  from  the  shoulders  down." 

-  Shirt,  hunting. 

The  forefinger  and  thumb  so  opposed  as  to  form  a  curve  are  passed 
near  the  surface  of  the  body,  from  the  forehead  to  the  abdomen.  (Long.) 

Forefingers  pointing  towards  the  hips,  brought  up  along  the  sides 
and  above  the  shoulders  and  pointed  backwards.  This  sign  may  be 
reversed.  (Cheyetine  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Clothing.    (Dakota  I.) 

The  tips  of  the  thumbs  of  each  hand  are  opposed  to  one  or  more  of 
the  corresponding  fingers  and  the  hands  are  then  passed  rapidly  down 
ward  in  front  from  the  top  of  the  head  to  below  the  stomach.  (Mandan 
Hidatm  I.) 


-  Trowsers. 

With  the  fingers  held  as  for  Tunic,  carry  the  hands  from  the  knees 
upward  to  the  waist.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Cloud. 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  water,  then  raise  the  two  hands  as  high  as  the 
forehead  and,  placing  them  with  an  inclination  of  15°,  let  them  gently 
cross  one  another.  (Dunbar.) 

(1)  Both  hands  partially  closed,  palms  facing  and  near  each  other, 
brought  up  to  level  with  or  slightly  above  but  in  front  of  the  head  ;  (2) 
suddenly  separated  sidewise,  describing  a  curve  like  a  scallop;  this  scal 
lop  motion  is  repeated  for  "many  clouds."  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  arms  fully  extended  at  the  sides  of  the  body  with  hands  hori 
zontal,  straight  out,  palms  downward  (W),  are  brought  together  with  a 
curved  motion  in  front  of,  but  higher  than,  the  head,  so  that  the  tips  of 
the  fingers  meet  backs  of  hands  upward  ^  W).  (Dakota  I.)  Resembles 
the  sign  for  Night  or  Darkness.  "  The  coming  together  of  clouds. 
Darkness  in  the  heavens." 

CloiifliiH'**.  dampness. 

May  b<-  signified  by  making  the  sign  for  Smoke,  the  hand  ascend 
ing,  then  descending,  by  constantly  revolving  motion.  (  Arapaho  I.) 


63 

Club. 

Point  to  a  piece  of  wood  with  the  right  index  (]fl),  and  then  strike  the 
palm  of  the  flat,  horizontal  left  hand  (X),  held  in  front  of  the  body, 
fingers  pointing  toward  the  right,  with  the  edge  of  the  fingers  of  the 
right  crosswise.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  striking  with  a  club." 

Coal. 

The  left  hand  is  carried  down  and  held  at  the  level  of  and  in  front  of 
the  left  breast  from  a  little  higher  elevation,  with  palm  inward,  fingers 
joined  extended,  slightly  arched,  and  pointing  towards  the  right,  hand 
horizontal  (bank  or  bluff),  and  then  the  right  hand  in  the  same  position, 
except  ends  of  extended  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left,  is  carried  out 
in  front  of  the  body,  and  its  back  struck  several  times  against  the  palm 
of  the  left  (hard),  and  then  the  right  index  is  carried  from  left  to  right 
along  the  middle  of  the  palm  of  the  yet  stationary  left  (this  indicates 
the  vein  of  coal,)  and  then  the  left  hand  is  dropped  down  in  front.  The 
thickness  of  the  vein  itself  and  its  depth  below  the  surface  can  also  be 
approximately  indicated  in  this  sign.  No  written  language  could  con 
vey  to  the  mind  a  more  graphic  picture  than  does  this  to  the  person 
who  has  ever  ascended  the  Missouri,  and  seen  the  veins  of  coal  cropping 
out  of  the  river  bluffs  and  banks.  (Dakota  I.)  "A  vein  of  coal  crop 
ping  out  of  a  bank." 

Coffee. 

• 
Left  hand  fist  (A  1)  held  to  the  left  side  of  body  in  front  of  stomach, 

the  right  hand  brought  over  it,  end  of  index  resting  on  end  of  thumb 
(other  fingers  closed),  back  of  hand  upward ;  then  the  right  is  turned  in 
a  circular  manner  as  though  turning  the  handle  of  an  upright  coffee- 
mill.  The  sign  for  Kettle  can  be  made  to  indicate  the  boiling  of  the 
coffee  or  the  sign  for  Drinking  to  indicate  that  it  is  made.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  grinding  of  the  coffee." 

The  arms  are  semi-extended  and  hands  (as  in  type-posture  (C  1)  modi 
fied  by  being  horizontal)  made  to  rub  circularly,  the  palms  slightly 
separated  This  is  followed  by  signs  fdr  Water,  Fire,  and  Drink. 
(Oto  I.)  "  Something  to  be  ground,  then  subjected  to  fire  and  water,  and 
drunk." 

Coin. 

A  shaking  of  fingers  and  thumbs.     (Macgowan.) 

The  fingers  of  the  right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  thumb  and  index 
curved,  with  tips  joining,  thus  forming  a  circle.  The  hand  is  then  held 
outward  toward  the  right  side,  showing  the  circle  to  the  observer. 
(Absaroka  1;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  u  Round,  like  silver  or  gold  coin." 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  the  inte 
rior  outline  approximating  a  circle.  (Arapalio  I.) 


64 

The  arm  is  raised  to  the  head,  and  the  right  index  finger  hooked 
describes  the  hat  mark  of  the  forehead  in  sign  for  White  man  or 
American.  The  arms  then  diverge  wave  like  from  the  sides  of  the  body. 
The  left  hand  is  then  brought  before  the  body.  The  index  and  thumb 
form  a  circle  in  imitation  of  the  outline  of  the  silver  dollar,  as  in  («). 
The  extended  right  index  finger  is  then  drawn  across  the  circle  ot  the 
left  hand  twice.  (Oto  <»,<i  Mi^uri.)  "  The  round,  marked  currency  o 
the  white  man." 

Coitu*. 

The  extended  index  of  the  right  hand  (the  hand  usually  back  down 
wards,  other  fingers  Hexed)  is  grasped  by  left  hand,  palm  upwards.  In 
this  position  the  index  is  usually  moved  back  and  forth,  i.  e.,  in  and  out, 
once  or  oftener.  (Mamlun  and  Hi«at*a  I.) 

Avittmlinn  X////L—  Fingers  of  both  hands  closely  interlocked,  backs  up 
and  horizontal.  This  is  used  ceremonially  in  offering  their  women  to  a 
visitor  as  a  rite  of  hospitality.  (Smyth.) 

Cold. 

The  same  as  for  Air,  but  when  applied  to  a  person  the  right  hand  is 
shut  and  held  up  nearly  opposite  the  shoulder,  and  put  into  a  tremulous 
motion.  (Dunbar.) 

•    The  arms  with  clinched  hands  held  dp  before  the  breast,  thrown  into 
a  tremulous  motion,  as  if  shivering  with  cold.    (Lon</.) 

(I)  Borh  hands,  palms  facing  breast,  awkwardly  closed,  as  though 
numb  with  cold,  and  brought  to  a  level  with  the  shoulders  which  (2) 
shrugged ;  (3)  hands  slightly  motioned  downward,  forward,  and  side- 
wise,  to  imitate  violent  trembling.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  clinched  right  hand  (or  both)  in  front  of  the  shoulder,  then 
cause  the  fist  to  tremble  as  if  shivering  from  cold.  (Dakota  VII.) 

With  both  fists  clinched  and  held  drawn  up  near  to  the  shoulders, 
imitate  trembling,  as  from  cold.  (Dakota  VI ;  Hidatea  1 ;  Ankara  I.) 

Both  hands  clinched,  cross  the  forearms  before  the  breast  with  a 
trembling  motion.  (Hidattal;  Arikaral.) 

Both  arms  are  uniformly  flexed  and  made  to  approach  the  chest.  The 
hands  are  (in  type-posture^dl  1)  modified  by  palms  facing  chest)  then 
made  to  tremble  before  the  body.  (Oto  I.)  "  That  makes  me  shake  or 
tremble." 

Elevate  both  hands,  clinched,  to  the  shoulders;  then  let  them  shiver 
a  little  back  and  forth.  This  sign,  varied  as  follows,  indicates  chill  and 
fever.  After  the  cold  sign  is  used,  place  both  hands  clinched  (B)  beside 


65 

the  temples,  and  let  the  fingers  fly  outward,  and  clinch  them  again,  and 
let  them  fly  outward  again.  This  indicates  fever  iu  the  head.  ( Comanche  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Winter.     (Apache  I.) 

It  is. 

Wrap  up,  shudder,  and  look  disagreeable.     (Burton.) 

Cross  both  hands  (B)  at  the  wrists  a  few  inches  in  front  of  the  body 
on  a  level  with  the  breast,  and  then  make  a  shivering  motion  with  both 
hands  and  arms.  ( Dakota  I.)  "  Resembles  somewhat  the  sign  for  Blan 
ket  ;  covering'.  The  idea  of  shivering  with  cold." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Shudder  with  the  shoulders.     (Ballard.) 
Shiver,  with  your  fists  near  the  breast.     (Cross.) 

Make  a  rapid  movement  of  the  clinched  hands  from  and  toward  each 
other  with  the  eyes  lifted  toward  the  person  spoken  to,  and  then  point 
iu  the  direction  from  which  the  wind  is  blowing,  so  as  to  indicate  that 
the  weather  is  cold.  (Hasenstab.) 

To  shiver,  moving  .the  closed  fists.     (Larson.) 

Close  the  fists  and  draw  the  arms  toward  the  body  with  a  motion  of 
shivering.  (Zeigler.) 

Color. 

First  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended,  thumb  resting 
on  the  third  finger  which  with  the  little  finger  is  closed,  are  brought  to 
the  front  of  the  body  and  to  the  left  side  over  the  left  hand,  which  is  held 
slightly  oblique  (B)  on  the  left  side  of  the  body  about  a  foot  to  the  front 
of  the  left  breast,  and  then  the  two  extended  fingers  of  the  right  hand 
are  rubbed  over  the  back  of  the  left  hand. 

This  is  generic.  The  particular  color  must  be  designated  after  mak 
ing  this  sign  in  each  instance  by  touching  something  of  that  color. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Mixing  the  paint  on  the  hand  to  see  its  color  before  using; 
much  the  same  as  painters  try  a  color  on  a  board,  or  anything  with  a 
proper  back  ground  to  display  it."  • 

Black,  White,  Red,  Blue,  Yellow,  etc. 

With  arm  elevated,  semi-flexed,  the  hand  in  position  (K)  pointed  to 
these  different  colors,  whether  represented  in  the  vault  of  the  firmament 
or  articles  of  dress.  White  is  sometimes  indicated  by  pointing  to  the 
sun,  and  black  by  pointing  to  sun  then  executing  sign  for  I¥o  or  the 
Sun's  Setting1.  (Oto  I.)  "As  objects  appear." 

Black. 

Rub  the  hair  on  the  right  side  of  the  head  with  the  flat  hand.  (  Wied.) 
The  hair  of  the  Indians  being  nearly  always  black,  that  object  is  natur 
ally  selected  as  indication  of  that  color. 
9 


66 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  black. 
(Dakota  I.)     "Designating  a  particular  color." 

Bub  along  the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  palm  of  the  fingers  01 
the  right,  back  of  left  up  palm  of  right  down.    Or  point  at  a  black  ( 
ject.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Pass  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  gently  over  the  hair  on  the  right 
side  of  the  head.  (Dakota  V.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.— Show  the  end  of  the  nail  of  one  finger  of  the 
one  hand  with  the  forefinger  of  the  other  hand  pointing  at  it,  on  account 
of  the  color  of  the  dirt  under  the  nail.  (Larson.) 

Blue. 

With  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  rub  the  back  of  the  left.  (  Wied.) 
It  is  conjectured  that  the  veins  on  the  back  of  the  hand  are  indicated. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  'and  then  touch  something  blue. 
( Dakota  I.)  "  Designating  color." 

Gray. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  of  gray 
color  with  the  right  index.  ( Dakota  I.)  "  Designating  color." 

Green. 

With  the  back  of  the  left  hand  make  the  gesture  of  stroking  grass 
upon  the  earth.  (  Wied.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  of  green 
color.  (Dakota  I.)  "Designating  color." 

Point  at  a  green  object  and  then  rub  the  radial  edge  of  the  left  hand 
with  the  fingers  of  the  right,  (Dakota  IV.)  "Colors  are  usually  desig 
nated  by  pointing  at  or  rubbing  some  object  of  the  color  referred  to." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.— Point  the  finger  to  grass.     (Larson.) 

Red. 

Rub  the  right  cheek  to  indicate  the  red  color.  ( Wied.)  The  red  re 
fers  to  the  paint  habitually  used  on  the  checks,  not  to  the  natural  skin. 
The  Indians  know  better  than  to  designate  between  each  other  their 
natural  color  as  red,  and  have  been  known  to  give  the  designation  red 
man  to  the  visiting  Caucasian,  whose  blistered  skin  often  better  deserves 
the  epithet,  which  they  only  apply  to  themselves  in  converse  with  the 
conquering  race  that  insisted  upon  it.  The  author  mentions  in  another 
connection  that  the  Mandans  used  red  on  the  cheek  more  than  on  other 
of  the  body  on  which  parts  other  colors  were  generally  displayed. 


67 

Make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  any  red  object  with  the 
right  index.  (Dakota  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  as  for  Spotted,  and  rub  its  upper  edge  with  the 
ends  of  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Kub  the  cheek  with  the  fingers.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Eub  the  right  cheek  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  extended  fingers 
of  the  right  hand.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
u  From  the  custom  of  coloring  the  cheeks  red." 

Rub  the  cheek  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  extended  and  joined 
fingers  of  the  right  hand.  Sometimes  both  hands  are  used  in  commu 
nication  with  Americans.  ( Ute  I.) 

Vermilliou,  cinnabar. 

Rub  the  right  cheek  with  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand.  (Wied.) 
Still  in  use.  (Matthews.) 

-  White. 

With  the  underside  of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  nib  gently  upon 
that  part  of  the  left  hand  which  corresponds  with  the  knitting  of  the 
bones  of  the  forefinger  and  thumb.  (Duribar.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  anything  white  with 
the  right  index.  (Dakota  I.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  palm  up,  flat,  with  fingers  spread  before  the 
brdy,  and  draw  the  index  of  the  right  from  the  tip  of  the  middle  finger 
of  the  left  back  across  the  palm  to  the  wrist.  Light  color  compared 
with  the  darkness  of  the  skin  generally.  (Ute  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  the  finger  to  the  human  skin.  (Lar 
son.) 

Yellow. 

Sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  yellow.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Designating  color." 

Comb. 

Curve  the  spread  fingers  of  the  right  hand  into  a  half  circle,  then 
pass  them  over  the  hair  of  the  right  side  from  above  downward,  as  if 
combing  one's  self.  The  hand  is  then  brought  forward  again,  still  in 
the  same  condition,  to  indicate- the  object.  (Dakota  V.) 

Combat.    See  Battle. 

Come,  To;  to  arrive. 

The  forefinger  moved  from  right  to  left  with  an  interrupted  motion  as 
if  imitating  the  alternate  movement  of  stepping.  (Dunbar.) 


68 

Elevate  the  iiulex  finger  near  the  face,  extend  the  hand,  and  return  it 
with  a  number  of  gentle  jerks.  (  Wied.)  The  simple  idea  of  "come"  is 
expressed  by  a  straight  and  unvarying  motion  of  the  finger,  as  you 
imitate  in  your  remark.  Prince  \V.  gives  here  a  variation  which  signi 
fies  coming  from  a  distance  or  making  a  journey  with  halts.  He  says 
"  gentle  jerks ;"  I  say  "wavering  motion."  We  both  mean  the  same 
thing.  The  interruption  of  motion  may  indicate  nightly  camps.  (Mat 
thews.)  The  right  arm  extended  with  the  hand  in  type-position  (K  1), 
index  a  little  more  opened,  pointing  to  the  individual,  then  describing 
an  are  towards  the  body  with  slight  jerking,  the  index  sharply  hooked. 
There  appears  to  be  reasonable  similarity  to  Wied.  It  is  probable  that, 
were  the  latter  description  more  explicit,  with  some  allowance  for  mis 
interpretation,  the  identity  of  the  conceptions  and  similarity  of  signs 
would  be  more  plain.  (Boteler.)  "To  approach  or  draw  near  unto  in 
both." 

(I)  Forefinger  of  right  hand  pointed  to  person  addressed,  the  finger 
tips  pointing  upwards  and  palm  inward;  (2)  hand  drawn  toward  face. 
In  rapid  communication,  the  pointing  with  the  forefinger  is  superseded 
by  a  motion  of  the  whole  hand  towards  the  object  addressed.  The  back 
of  the  hand  is  kept  towards  the  person,  the  finger  tips  upward,  palm  in 
ward,  and  motion  made  towards  the  speaker's  face  with  the  first  two  or 
three  fingers  of  his  right  hand.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  a  foot  in  front  of  the  chest,  its  back  forward, 
fingers  pointing  a  little  upward  toward  the  right,  and  bring  the  palm 
of  the  right  hand  backward  against  it  smartly,  the  fingers  of  the  right 
pointing  a  little  upward  toward  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Elevate  the  right  hand,  back  forward,  quickly  elevate  the  index  and 
throw  it  back  into  its  place  again.  (Dakota  VI;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  extended  forwards  nearly  or  quite  to  full  length,  the 
right  hand  erected  by  full  fiexiou  of  the  wrist,  making  the  back  of  the 
hand  look  forwards,  the  index  only  is  extended.  Then  the  hand  is 
drawn  inwards  close  to  the  chest.  This  is  used  for  Come  in  both  an 
indicative  and  imperative  sense.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Place  the  dosed  hand,  flexed  at  the  wrist  and  pointing  upward,  palm 
toward  the  face  at  arm's  length  to  the  front  and  right  of  the  body,  ele 
vate  the  index,  and  bring  it  slowly  in  jerks  toward  the  body.  (Kaioica 
I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

(In  the  imperative.) 

Right  hand  extended  length  of  arm,  palm  upward  (Y),  bring  it  to  you. 
The  same  sign  is  used  by  whites  in  the  States.  (Comanche  I.) 


60 

I  or  we. 

Place  both  hands  palm  to  palui,  and  pass  them  in  gentle  and  inter 
rupted  arched  movements  to  the  front,  resembling  the  motion  of  walk 
ing.  (Pai-Utel.) 

Back. 

Beckon  in  the  European  way,  and  draw  the  forefinger  toward  your 
self.  (Burton.) 

(1)  Sign  for  €Jo  away;  (2)  sign  for  Come ;  that  is,  gone  away  and 
come  back.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  sign  can  be  made  by  a  simple  motion  of  the  right  hand  perpen 
dicular,  held  at  the  arm's  extended  capacity  at  the  side  of  the  body  aud 
drawn  back  toward  the  left  in  front  of  the  body,  provided  the  person 
being  called  back  is  near  enough  to  see  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "Calling  a 
person  back." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Stretch  out  the  hand  to  denote  going  away, 
and  then  move  it  towards  one's  self.  (Bollard.} 

Here. 

The  hands  stretched  outward  with  the  palm  under,  and  brought  back 
with  a  curve  motion  downward  and  inclining  to  the  body.  (Dunbar.) 

Beckon  with  the  forefinger  as  is  done  in  Europe,  not  as  is  done  in  the 
East.  (Burton.) 

(1)  The  sign  for  Come  is  first  made;  (2)  drooped  fingers  slightly  ex 
tended  and  reversed  from  position  assumed  in  making  the  sign  for 
"come;"  (3)  suddenly  dropped  to  indicate  desired  position.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

Place  the  right  index  upright,  back  forward,  at  height  of  shoulder,  at 
arm's  length,  other  fingers  closed,  thumb  against  middle  finger,  then 
bring  the  hand  near  to  the  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  arm  was  extended  and  the  hand  in  type-position  (K  1), 
modified  by  being  held  back  outward  and  downward,  palm  upward 
and  inward,  was  made  to  point  with  index  to  the  object.  The  arm  is 
then  gradually  and  uniformly  flexed  toward  the  body;  the  hand  in 
above  position  approaching-  the  body,  palm  upward,  in  a  semicircle  or 
by  jerks,  the  index  sharply  hooked.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Draw  near 
me." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Moving  the  hand  toward  one's  self.  ( Bol 
lard.} 

Use  the  open  hand  as  if  to  beckon  to  somebody  to  come,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  nod  the  head.  (Hasemtab.) 


70 

.  Come  to  this  place,  To. 

Make  the  sign  for  Come,  and  as  the  hand  is  brought  in  trout  ot 
the  body  throw  the  palm  against  the  horizontal  palm  of  the  left  hand. 
(Eiftotral;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Coming  (participle). 

Right  hand  and  arm  extended,  hand  clinched,  index-finger  pointing 
outward.  Then  bring  the  hand  slowly  to  the  body,  the  index-finger 
meanwhile  moving  backward  and  forth,  as  if  it  alone  were  motioning 
some  one  to  come.  (Comanche  I.) 

Arrival  from  a  great  distance. 

The  hand  is  placed  as  in  Come,  but  as  far  to  the  front  as  possible, 
and  then  drawn  slowly  toward  the  body,  sometimes  with  a  laterally 
tortuous  motion.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Of  a  person ;  to  arrive ;  soon  to  be  here. 

Place  the  forefinger  in  a  vertical  position,  with  the  arm  extended  to 
wards  the  point  from  which  the  person  came,  or  is  to  come,  then  bring 
it  gradually  near  the  body,  but  not  in  contact  with  it,  or,  it  he  continued 
on,  carry  it  in  the  direction  he  passed.  (Long.) 

Clap  the  hands,  elevating  the  index-finger  of  the  right  hand.     (  Wied.) 

Is  always  used  in  connection  with  the  object  acting;  for  instance,  ap 
proaching  objects  are  pointed  out.  described,  enumerated,  and  sign  for 
"come"  made  from  the  direction  of  the  approaching  object  to  the  front 
of  the  person  speaking.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Of  a  person. 

Right  arm  fully  extended  to  the  right  side  of  the  body  (which  must 
be  so  placed  that  the  hand  in  this  position  will  point  in  the  direction 
in  which  the  person  is  coming),  forefinger  extended,  straight,  upright, 
resting  on  the  thumb  extended  along  it  (other  fingers  closed),  back  of 
hand  outward ;  bring  the  hand  to  the  body  (breast)  in  this  position  by 
a  series  of  jerking  movements  (nearly  stopping  its  motion),  in  imitation 
of  the  stepping  of  the  coming  person.  From  the  walking  movements  of 
the  approaching  person.  Come, — In  the  sense  of  he  Ha*  come;  he  Has 
arrived;  he  Is  here.  On  the  completion  of  the  above  sign,  clap  the 
hands  once  at  the  left  side  of  the  body,  indicating  the  person  has  come 
to  his  journey's  end.  (Dakota  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  at  arm's  length,  a  little  higher  than  the  shoulder, 
palm  turned  toward  the  face,  and  index  elevated ;  then  bring  it  back 
ward  in  an  interrupted  motion  to  near  the  breast,  where  the  left  palm  is 
held  edgewise,  pointing  forward,  when  the  ball  of  the  right  hand  is 
brought  against  it  with  a  slap.    (Dakota  VII.) 


Toward  you. 

Eight  hand  flat  and  extended,  held  edgewise,  thrust  the  hand  forward 
in  a  curve  either  upward  or  downward.  (Omaha  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.— Stretch  up  the  open  hand  over  the  shoulder 
or  the  hand,  indicating  the  height  of  the  person  coining,  next  point  to 
him,  and  then  use  the  open  hand  as  if  to  beckon  to  coine,  and  at  the  same 
time  nod  the  head.  (Hasenstab.) 

Companion ;  in  company.    (Compare  Relationship.) 

The  two  forefingers  are  extended  and  placed  together,  with  their  backs 
upward.  This  sign  is  also  used  for  Husband.  (Long.) 

Two  forefingers  held  motionless  together,  touching  throughout  their 
length  in  front  of  breast,  backs  upward.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  forefinger  of  each  hand  extended,  pointing  straight  to  the  front 
and  joined  (all  other  fingers  of  both  hands  closed),  hands  horizontal, 
backs  upward,  on  level  of  the  stomach,  and  close  to  the  body,  are  car 
ried  forward  for  about  eighteen  inches  with  a  curved  upward  movement, 
so  that  when  the  sign  is  completed  the  fingers  are  on  a  level  with  the 
upper  part  of  the  breast,  pointing  obliquely  upward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  In 
separable,  united,  equal." 

The  arms  are  flexed  before  the  body  and  the  hands,  in  type  position 
(S),  approximated  palms  in  contact,  before  the  chest.  The  arms  are 
then  semi-extended,  and  the  indices  in  type  position  ( J"),  horizontal,  are 
crossed,  the  hands,  thus  "  in  situ,"  describe  a  wave-like  motion  forward, 
as  in  going  on  one's  way  together  with  one  to  whom  we  are  attached. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "A  friend  who  is  dear  and  accompanies  me." 

Both  hands  closed  (HI)  and  brought  within  two  inches  of  each  other, 
index-fingers  pointing  outward,  then  let  both  hands  move  outward  a 
foot  or  so.  ( Comanche  I.) 

Traveling.    See  Friend . 

For  life.    See  Husband  and  Wife,  the  Same,  Equal. 


Comparison ;  II ore.  Most. 

In  comparison  the  signs  for  Little  and  Big  are  used  as  represent 
ing  "  more,"  "  most."    (Dakota  I.) 

Complaisance.    (Compare  Glad.) 

Compulsion. 

Italian  sign. — The  thumb  is  held  under  the  chin  to  indicate  being  laid 
under  necessity.     (Butler.) 


72 
Contempt.    Iiiwiilt.    (Compare  Disgust.) 

Close  or  shut  the  right  hand  and  hold  it  drawn  toward  the  chest  and 
on  a  level  with  it,  with  the  palm  up  and  the  shut  fingers  and  thumb 
up:  and  the  expression  of  contempt  is  given  by  extending  out  the  hand 
and  arm  directly  in  from  the  body,  at  the  same  time  opening  the  thumb 
an<l  lingers  wide  and  apart,  so  that,  at  the  termination  of  the  motion  the 
arm  is  nearly  extended  and  the  thumb  and  fingers  all  radiating  out  as 
if  it  were  from  the  center  of  the  hand,  and  the  palm  of  the  hand  still 
pointing  upward.  (Ojibica  III.) 

Indicate  by  turning  from  the  object,  move  both  hands  and  arm*  to 
right  or  left,  with  palms  outward,  as  if  in  the  act  of  pushing  away  the 
person  or  object ;  stand  erect  or  lean  back  a  little.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

My  observations  agree  with  Dr.  Matthews,  connection  with  "bad,"  (see 
p.  L'li,  Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Sign-Language,  by  G.  Mallery),  and 
also  with  Gilfillan  (loco  citato),  as  expressing  the  highest  degree  of  "con 
tempt  ;"  at  the  same  time  the  contempt  is  expressed  by  facial  emotions. 
(Dakota  I.)  k-  Derivative  of  bad." 

Tliis  is  expressed  by  the  sign  for  Dad,  but  the  motion  is  more  forci 
bly  made.  If  the  person  at  whose  expense  the  sign  is  made  is  present, 
the  hand  is  moved  toward  him  and  the  face  is  sometimes  averted  from 
him.  (Mandan  and  Hidatxa.  I.) 

Italian  xiyn. — Thrust  out  the  forefinger  and  the  little  finger,  calling  the 
gesture  by  a  name  very  similar  in  sound  to  "fig."  "To  turn  up  the 
nose  at"  (English  phrase)  is  translated  into  the  Italian  gesture  by  doing 
the  thing  it  describes,  and  possibly  owes  its  origin  to  the  same  gesture. 
(Buffer.) 

Content.    See  Glad. 

Corn. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  the  Arikara  Indians,  which  see.  Planting 
corn  is  made  with  the  right  hand  nearly  as  (U),  pointing  toward  the  ground 
at  the  right  side  of  the  body,  and  moved  along  as  though  dropping  the 
grains  of  corn  into  a  hill,  and  then  the  hand  is  turned  so  that  the  fingers 
point  upward,  which  probably  indicates  that  the  corn  has  been  planted. 
I  am  not  aware  that  the  sign  resembles  any  other  made  by  the  Sioux, 
but  the  hand  is  invariably  turned  upward  at  the  time  indicated  above. 
( Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  planting  of  corn." 

Same  sign  as  for  Arikara.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III :  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  II.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  pass  the 
tips  upward  from  the  height  of  the  pubis  as  high  as  the  head,  then  pre- 


73 

tend  to  grasp  an  imaginary  object,  holding-  the  radial  side  of  the  hand 
downward  toward  the  left,  then  throw  the  hand  forcibly  on  its  back  over 
toward  the  right.  Represents  the  stalk  and  the  breaking  off  of  the  ear. 
(Ute  I.) 

Standing. 

Close  the  right  hand,  extend  the  index,  holding  it  upward,  back  of 
hand  near  the  ground,  and  gradually  and  interruptedly  elevated  to  the 
height  of  the  head.  ( Ute  I.) 

Correct.    See  True. 

Counting*,  or  numeration. 

The  fingers  and  thumbs  expanded  count  ten.  In  order  to  proceed 
with  the  enumeration  by  tens  the  hands  must  be  clinched,  and  if  again 
expanded  it  counts  twenty,  and  so  on,  the  hands  being  clinched  between 
every  ten.  In  order  to  indicate  the  digits,  clinch  the  hands  and  extend 
the  little  finger  of  the  left  hand  for  one,  extend  also  the  ring  finger  for 
two,  and  so  on,  the  thumb  for  five ;  these  must  remain  extended  whilst 
the  thumb  of  the  right  is  extended  for  six,  &c.  Any  number  within  five, 
above  any  number  of  tens,  is  indicated  by  clinching  the  left  hand  and 
crossing  the  right  over  it,  with  the  requisite  number  of  fingers  extended. 
For  the  number  of  sixteen,  exhibit  the  sign  of  ten  and  then  extend  four 
fingers  and  the  two  thumbs  in  the  order  of  enumeration ;  for  seventeen, 
proceed  by  extending  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and  so  on  to 
twenty.  In  this  manner  any  sum  can  be  denoted,  always  holding  the 
backs  of  the  hands  upward.  When  enumerating  a  small  number  where 
a  considerable  exertion  of  the  memory  is  requisite,  the  Indians  extend 
the  left  hand  with  the  palm  upward,  whilst  with  the  index  of  the  right 
the  fingers  are  successively  bent  into  the  palm,  beginning  as  before  with 
the  little  finger,  and  the  greater  difficulty  in  recalling  to  mind  the  num 
bers  or  events  the  more  apparent  resistance  is  offered  to  the  inflexion  of 
the  finger.  (Long.) 

Elevate  the  index-finger  and  move  it  forward  to  indicate  one,  twice 
for  two,  etc.  When  counting  on  the  fingers  begin  at  the  left  hand. 

(Wiefl.) 

Show  the  required  number  of  fingers ;  the  system  of  tens  obtains. 

(Arapaho  I.) 

Left  hand  held  up  to,  on  a  level  with,  and  in  front  of  the  shoulder, 
right  hand  partially  closed,  forefinger  slightly  extended  and  (2)  touched 
successively  to  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand  from  little  finger  to  forefin 
ger.  This  is  the  abstract  idea  of  counting.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left  hand  (P)  extended  in  front  of  body,  then  with  the  right  hand,  of 
which  the  thumb  and  forefinger  are  extended  (K  1),  tap  with  the  fore- 
10 


74 

linger  of  the  right  hand  each  finger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  ;  closing 
the  finger  at  the  time  of  tapping,  it  indicating  that  it  has  been  counted. 
Where  multiples  of  ten  are  to  be  used,  one  or  both  hands,  as  may  be 
required,  are  held  in  front  of  the  body  nearly  together,  with  fingers 
extended,  palm  outward,  hands  upright,  and  the  fingers  closed  and 
opened  as  often  as  may  be  necessary. 

Your  remarks  on  page  23  of  "  Introduction  to  the  study  of  sign  lan 
guage,"  after  Kohl's  sign  for  "  Quantity,  many,  much,"  are  correct.  That 
observer  has  without  doubt  confounded  these  signs,  as  I  have  seen 
many  Indians,  belonging  to  different  tribes,  using  the  sign  he  gives  for 
quantity  in  counting,  and  if  there  is  any  one  universal  sign  it  is  this  one 
for  counting.  (Dakota  I.) 


natural  sianft.  —  Move  alternately  each  forefinger  on  the  tips 
of  all  the  fingers.     (Larson.) 

Touch  the  fingers  one  after  another  with  one  finger.     (Cross.) 

Country,  Land. 

Point  toward  the  ground  a  short  distance  before  the  body,  slightly 
stooping,  and  directing  the  eyes  to  the  same  point.  (Absaroka  I  ;  Sho? 
shoni  awl  Itanak  I.)  "  When  the  country  is  at  a  distance,  the  fist  is 
thrown  toward  the  ground,  outer  edge  down,  at  arm's  length,  in  the 
direction  of  the  location  of  the  region." 

-My. 
First  make  the  sign  for  Country,  followed  by  that  for  Mine.    (Ab 

sarokal',  bhoxhoni  and  Itanakl.)  "When  possession  is  elsewhere  the 
arm  is  extended  in  that  direction,  which,  with  the  sign  for  Posses 
sion,  signifies  My  country,  the  sign  for  the  latter  being  dropped." 

Courtship. 

Place  the  closed  right  hand  near  the  hip,  the  index  extended  and  point 
ing  forward,  the  thumb  extended  toward  the  left  and  upward  at  right 
angles  to  the  axis  of  the  index,  then  move  the  hand  forward  to  arm's 
length,  rotating  the  hand  and  forearm  during  motion.  (Kaiowa  I;  Co- 
manche  III  ;  Apadie  II  ;  Wichita  II.) 

Cow. 

The  two  forefingers  brought  up  to  the  side  of  the  head  and  extended 
outwards  so  as  to  represent  the  position  of  the  horns.  (Dunbar.) 

(1)  Sign  for  Bison;  (2)  motion  of  milking  made  with  both  hands. 
(Clteyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  crooked  right  index  at  the  right  side  of  the  head  to  repre 
sent  the  horns,  an4  then  make  the  sign  for  Female,  applied  to  ani 
mals.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Horns  and  sex." 


75 
Coward,  cowardice.    See  Fear. 

Crane. 

Open  both  hands,  move  them  from  the  sides  of  the  chest  outward  and 
backward  (as  if  swimming,  but  near  the  body) ;  then  close  the  right 
hand,  leaving  the  forefinger  extended  and  slightly  curved ;  pass  it  from 
before  the  chin,  upward,  forward,  and  slightly  downward,  forming  an 
arc  to  indicate  the  long  neck  of  the  bird.  (Dakota  V.) 

Crazy  or  demented. 

Kaise  right  hand,  with  fingers  partly  distended,  above  the  head,  the 
hand  drooping,  and  make  quick  circles  close  around  top  of  the  head  from 
right  to  left,  and  a  shake  of  the  head.  (Ojlbwa  IV.) 

Move  the  opened  right  hand  through  a  circle  above  and  around  the 
head.  (Dakota -IV.)  "  Head  turned." 

Cross,  Sulky. 

Place  clinched  right  hand  (C  with  thumb  close  to  forehead),  turn  the 
hand  till  palm  faces  outward,  then  move  it  to  the  front  slightly.  (Chey 
enne  II.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Anger,  not  made  however  with  as  much  force 
and  omitting  any  decided  facial  expression.  (Dakota  I.)  "Derivative 
of  auger." 

Crow. 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  right  hand  brought  to  a  point  and  motion  of 
pecking  slightly  made.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Cutting  anything*  in  pieces. 

Draw  the  right  hand,  palm  backward,  fingers  pointed  obliquely  up 
ward  toward  the  left,  four  or  five  times  across  the  advanced  left  hand^ 
forearm,  and  arm,  each  time  at  a  different  place.  (Dakota  IV.) 

With  an  ax. 

With  the  right  hand  flattened  (X  changed  to  right  instead  of  left), 
palm  upward,  move  it  downward  toward  the  left  side  repeatedly  from 
different  elevations,  ending  each  stroke  at  the  same  point.  (Dakota  1,  V.) 
"From  the  act  of  felling  a  tree." 

Eepeat  the  sign  for  Ax  several  times,  making  the  cuts  from  differ 
ent  points,  but  terminating  about  the  same  place  each  time.  (Dakota 
VI ;  Hidatsa  II ;  Ankara  I.) 


With  a  knife. 


Left  hand  (tH  1)  extended  in  front  left  side  of  body  on  level  breast, 
and  the  right  hand  (S)  brought  crosswise  over  the  extended  fingers  just 


76 

below  the  knuckles.     (Dakota  I.)     "Cutting  anything  in  two  with  a 
knife." 

(1)  Left  hand  open,  flattened  and  held  out,  fingers  of  right  hand  also 
open  and  flattened  and  placed  above  left  hand,  little  finger  toward  palm 
of  left  hand  ;  (2)  suddenly  drawn  once  or  twice  across  the  palm  of  the 
left  hand  to  imitate  the  act  of  cutting.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

With  the  right  hand,  or  index  only,  imitate  cutting  the  left  forefinger 
as  if  it  were  a  stick.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  sign  for  Knife,  and  then  the  right  hand  is 
moved  upon  the  left  crosswise  to  represent  the  act  of  cutting.  (Mandan 

I.) 


Deaf-mute  natural  Niun.  —  Place  the  forefinger  of  one  hand  upon  that 
of  the  other,  and  slide  it  along  in  imitation  of  the  action.  (Ballard.) 

/ 
Use  the  shut  hands  as  if  to  cut  a  stick  with  a  knife.     (Hasenstab.) 

\ 

Dance,  Calumet. 

The  hand  extended  with  the  edge  upward,  ami  with  the  arm  waved 
sideways,  with  a  motion  like  that  of  a  swing.  (Long.} 

Da  nee,  To.    Dancing. 

Eise  on  toes  and  fall  two  or  three  times,  the  hands  and  arms  by  the 
side  naturally.  (Ojibtra  IV.) 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  hooked  (E),  hand  horizontal, 
back  outward  at  the  right  side  of  the  body  is  carried  up  and  down  sev 
eral  times  with  a  moderately  quick  movement,  ending  each  at  the  same 
point,  in  imitation  of  the  up  and  down  motion  of  the  body  in  Indian 
dancing,  consisting  in  keeping  time  with  the  legs  to  the  tom-tom.  (Da- 
Tcota  I.)  "From  a  method  of  dancing." 

Danger. 

Crouch  the  body  slightly,  bend  the  knees  forward,  bend  the  head  for 
ward,  raise  the  shoulders  a  trifle,  extend  both  hands  in  front  naturally, 
palms  down,  bend  elbow  at  nearly  right  angles,  right  hand  in  advance 
of  left,  move  both  slowly  down  a  few  inches  and  hold  still.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Eight  hand  with  first  and  second  fingers  extended  (others  closed, 
thumb  resting  on  third  finger  (IV  1),  except  that  the  hand  is  horizontal, 
back  upward),  directly  forward  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder  and  then 
drawn  back  at  the  same  time  the  body  is  thrown  back.  Cautious,  pru- 


77 

dent  are  indicated  in  this  sign.  The  idea  being  that  the  person  shall 
be  cautious  in  his  movements  as  there  may  be  danger  ahead.  (Da 
kota  I.) 

Bring  the  body  quickly  to  an  erect  posture,  at  the  same  time  gazing 
intently  toward  the  expected  source  of  danger  with  a  look  of  fright. 
(Wyandot  I.) 

Place  hand  in  front  of  breast,  fingers  hooked  as  though  holding  a 
knife,  back  outward  (F  1,  horizontal  and  back  outward),  then  make 
motion  as  though  cutting  out  the  heart,  first  with  the  downward  move 
ment  turning  back  of  fist  upward,  then  with  the  quick  movement  up 
ward  throwing  back  outward  again.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Cutting  out  the 
heart." 

Bring  the  right  hand  from  the  right  side  and  back  of  the  body  as  if 
grasping  a  twig,  bring  the  hand  before  the  breast,  make  the  sign  for 
Battle,  for  Uf o,  and  for  Go.  (Apache  I.)  "  Information  of  the  coming 
of  that  which  will  cause  a  fight,  or  questionable  security,  and  a  desire 
to  go  rather  than  encounter  it." 

—  Dangerous. 

The  left  fist  placed  horizontally  before  the  lower  end  of  the  sternum, 
the  right  forearm  passing  before  it  pointing  to  the  front  and  left,  so  that 
the  fist  is  about  four  inches  before  the  left.  Then  raise  the  left  fist 
slightly  and  throw  it  forward  and  down  to  the  same  horizon  forcibly, 
followed  by  the  right  which  forms  a  larger  semicircle  and  ceases  before 
the  left  as  previously.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita,  II.) 

Darkness.     (Compare  UTigiit.) 

Make  the  sign  for  81111,  then  extend  the  hands  horizontally  forward, 
backs  upward,  and  pass  one  over  the  other  two  or  three  times  touching 
it.  (Long.) 

Both  hands  spread  out  flat  and  cross  vertically  past  each  other  before 
the  face  and  neck.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Night  or  Clouds.     (Dakota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  at  your  eyes  partly  shut  and  then  turn 
your  face  to  the  sky  with  your  hand  waving  over  your  head.  (Cross.) 

Daughter.    See  Relationship,  daughter. 

Day.    (Compare  Sum  and  East ;  and  Long,  in  lapse  of* time.) 

Place  both  hands  at  some  distance  in  front  of  the  breast,  apart  and 
back  downward,  elevate  the  index  finger  and  move  it  forward  to  indi 
cate  one,  twice  for  two,  etc.  (  Wied.)  This  is  still  in  use.  The  holding 
up  of  the  index-fingers  is  not  essential.  When  the  hands  are  held  as 


78 

described  they  are  first  placed  near  to  one  another  and  then  moved 
apart,  as  yon  suggest.  Since  ray  memory  is  assisted  I  remember  this 
sign  well.  (Mattliew.)  There  is  no  observable  difference  in  either  exe 
cution  or  conception  between  the  sign  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  and  IFied's. 
(Boteler.) 

Make  a  circle  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  both  hands  in  sign  of 
the  snu.  (Burton.) 

Bring  both  hands  simultaneously  from  a  position  in  front  of  the  body, 
fingers  extended  and  joined,  palms  down  one  above  the  other,  forearms 
horizontal,  in  a  circularly  separating  manner,  to  their  respective  sides, 
palms  up  and  forearms  horizontal;  L  e.,  "everything  is  open."  This 
sign  is  the  reverse  of  that  for  Night.  (Arapaho  I.} 

Another  sign  maybe  indicated  by  making  the  sign  for  Sleep,  and 
one  finger  touched  or  held  up  above,  being  the  equivalent  of  "  one  sleep," 
one  day.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  and  held  toward  the  east  to  repre 
sent  the  sun,  hand  elevated,  finger  uppermost  and  passed  in  a  semicircle 
down  toward  the  west.  Both  hands  slightly  spread  out  and  elevated  to 
a  point  in  front  and  considerably  above  the  head,  then  brought  down  in 
semicircle  to  level  below  shoulders  ending  with  outspread  palms  upward. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

When  speaking  of  a  day,  they  pass  the  finger  slowly  along  the  entire 
vault  of  heaven,  commencing  at  the  east  and  terminating  in  the  west. 
This  is  the  sign  for  "one  day."  (Ojibwa  I.) 

Both  hands  loosely  extended,  palms  down,  the  right  lying  over  the 
left ;  then  pass  them  outward  toward  their  respective  sides  turning  the 
palms  up  in  so  doing.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoahoni  and  Banak  1;  Wyandot  I.) 

Both  hands  (W)  are  raised  above  the  head  the  extended  fingers  hori 
zontal,  pointing  toward  each  other  (meeting),  palms  down,  arms  neces 
sarily  somewhat  bowed.  Open  up  the  hands  so  that  the  fingers  point 
upright  and  at  once  carry  the  anus  out  to  their  full  extent  to  the  sides 
on  the  level  of  the  shoulders,  bringing  the  palms  up  (X).  (Dakota  I.) 
"The  opening  of  the  day  from  above."  "The  dispersion  of  darkness." 

From  positions  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of 
the  chest,  the  open  hands  pointing  forward,  near  together,  palms  up 
ward,  are  to  be  separated  by  carrying  them  out  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "All  open." 

Another:  From  positions  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  chest,  pointing  obliquely  forward  and  inward,  palms  down 
ward,  the  right  two  or  three  inches  above  the  left,  separate  the  hands 


79 

about  two  feet,  carrying  each  one  outward  through  an  arc,  gradually 
turning  the  palms  until  they  are  upward.  Uncovering  the  sun.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

A  day  is  indicated  by  making  the  sign  for  Sun,  and  moving  the 
hand  thus  formed  from  the  left  horizon  to  the  right,  forming  a  half  circle, 
and  indicating  the  course  of  the  sun  through  the  sky.  (Dakota  V.) 

Eight  hand  closed,  forming  a  circle  with  the  index  and  thumb,  move 
the  hand  from  east  to  west,  following  the  course  of  the  sun.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  head  is  turned  toward  the  orient  and  eyes  wonderingly  upwards. 
The  right  arm  is  then  elevated  semi-flexed  to  level  of  left  shoulder.  The 
hand  in  position  (J  1)  modified  by  index  being  a  little  more  opened  (and 
horizontal  palm  inwards).  The  hand  thus  pointing  toward  eastern 
horizon,  is  made  to  traverse  the  arc  of  the  vault  of  the  heavens,  followed 
by  the  eyes  until  it  stops  on  level  with  right  shoulder,  arm  extended, 
crooked  index  pointing  west.  ( Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  time  between 
the  rise  and  encompassed  by  the  course  and  setting  of  the  sun." 

Both  flat  hands  with  palms  down  are  held  horizontally  before  the 
breast,  the  right  over  the  left,  then  throw  them  outward  toward  their 
respective  sides,  turning  the  palms  up  in  doing  so.  (Kaiowa  I;  Coman- 
che  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Close  the  right  hand  leaving  the  index  bent  in  the  form  of  a  half 
circle,  the  index  also  extended,  then  pass  the  hand  from  east  to  west. 
(Pai-Utel.) 

Sign  made  for  Sun,  and  pass  across  the  zenith  from  east  to  west. 

(Apache  I.) 

Thumb  and  index  circled ;  sweep  hand  from  east  to  west  across  the 
sky.  In  rapid  use  thumb  and  index  are  often  parted,  and  the  hand  is 
swept  through  a  very  short  arc,  not  above  shoulder.  (Apache  III.) 

The  French  deaf-mutes  fold  the  hands  upon  each  other  and  the  breast, 
then  raise  them,  palms  inward,  to  beyond  each  side  of  the  head. 

To-day.     (Compare  Now.) 

Touch  the  nose  with  the  index  tip,  and  motion  with  the  fist  toward 
the  ground.  (Burton.) 

(I)  Both  hands  extended,  palms  outward ;  (2)  swept  slowly  forward 
and  to  each  side,  to  convey  the  idea  of  openness.  (Cheyenne  I.)  This 
may  combine  the  idea  of  now  with  openness,  the  first  part  of  it  resem 
bling  the  general  deaf-mute  sign  for  Here  or  Now. 


80 
Designate  the  hour  simply.    See  Hour.     (Arapuho  I.) 

Point  with  the  hand  to  the  east,  and  carry  it  slowly  overhead  to  the 
west.  (Iroquois  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Now,  and  then  the  sign  for  Day.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Now  with  openness." 

Make  the  sign  for  Day,  to  signify  the  period  of  time  distinct  from 
night.  This  being  completed,  the  right  hand  was  brought  in  modified 
position  (I),  from  the  stop  at  right  to  the  center  of  forehead  and  made  to 
describe  a  semicircle  forward  from  the  body  toward  the  ground.  The 
finger  remains  hooked  and  palm  outward  and  downward.  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I.)  "The  day  that  is  now  before  me,  or  present  time." 

Evening. 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  as  in  sign  for  Morning*,  and  low 
ered  toward  the  west,  followed  by  the  sign  for  Night.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Nun,  and  hold  it  toward  the  western  horizon. 
(Absaroka  I;  Shoxhoni  anil  Banal;  I.) 

The  right  hand  and  arm,  the  former  in  modified  position  (I),  index  is 
more  opened;  hand  is  horizontal  and  palm  inward;  execute  the  sign  for 
Day.  At  the  completion  of  this  sign  the  hand  is  quickly  everted  and 
assumes  tvpe  position  (]H);  index  is  moved  to  the  west.  In  this  sign, 
as  well  as  that  for  noon,  morning,  day,  to-morroic,  yesterday,  &c.,  the  sub 
ject  must  be  with  his  back  to  the  north  and  right  hand  west.  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I.)  "•  When  the  sun  goes  down  or  at  the  conclusion  of  the  day." 

Point  the  extended  index  to  the  western  horizon,  or  a  little  lower,  by 
curving  the  index  in  that  direction,  the  palm  being  below  and  still  hori 
zontal  with  the  shoulder.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Sun,  passing  the  hand  slowly  from  the  western 
horizon  to  a  short  distance  below  it,  holding  it  there  a  moment. 
(Kaiotca  I;  Ctnnanchr  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Hour,  time  of  day. 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand  the  interior 
outline  approximating  a  circle,  and  let  the  hand  pause  at  the  proper 
altitude  east  or  west  of  the  assumed  meridian.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Is  indicated  by  making  the  sign  for  Sim,  and  holding  the  hand  in 
that  portion  of  the  course  followed  by  the  sun,  to  indicate  the  time  to 
be  expressed.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Can  only  be  approximately  told  by  placing  the  sign  for  Sun  in  the 
position  in  the,  heavens  corresponding  with  the  hour,  dividing  the  time 
between  sunrise  and  sunset  into  as  many  equal  spaces  as  there  are 
hours.  (Dakota  I.) 


81 

Morning. 

Make  the  sign  for  Sim,  and  hold  it  toward  the  eastern  horizon. 
(Abmroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Night  and  then  the  sign  for  Day.  Morning 
can  likewise  be  made  by  simply  using  the  sign  for  day.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Darkness  has  gone — daylight  has  come." 

Make  the  sign  for  Sun,  and  hold  the  hand  below  the  eastern  horizon, 
moving  it  slowly  to  or  a  little  above  it.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  arm  and  hand  (right)  are  elevated  to  left  shoulder  and  the  hand 
in  modified  position  (I)  is  made  to  describe  the  sign  for  Day.  The 
right  arm  is  then  brought  extended  across  the  upper  part  of  chest,  with 
hand  in  position  ( J  1),  horizontal ;  both  arm  and  index  fully  extended 
toward  the  east,  followed  by  the  eyes.  This  morning  is  described  in 
same  manner  after  making  the  sign  for  To  day.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  The  beginning  of  a  day  or  to  day." 

Make  the  sign  for  Sun,  and  hold  the  hand  toward  the  eastern  horizon 
a  short  time,  or  bring  it  above  the  horizon  from  a  short  distance  below 
it,  slowly.  (Kaioical;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Point  with  the  extended  index  to  the  eastern  horizon.     (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  eastern  horizon  and  move  the 
forefinger  a  little  way  upward.  (Ballard.) 

Open  your  eyes,  and,  from  the  open  hand,  raise  your  head  to  its  erect 
position,  as  if  you  have  just  now  arisen  from  bed.  (Cross.) 

Noon. 

Make  the  sign  for  Sun,  and  hold  it  toward  the  zenith,  so  that  the 
eye  can  see  through  the  circle  formed  by  the  thumb  and  index 
(Absaroka  I ;  tihoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Sun,  holding  the  hand  overhead,  the  outer  edge 
uppermost.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  hand  and  arm  are  elevated  to  left  shoulder  and,  with  fingers  in 
(I)  position,  modified  by  index  being  more  open,  horizontal,  and  palm  to 
the  breast,  begin  the  sign  for  Day.  This  sign  is  then  half  executed, 
and  the  hand  stopped  in  a  line  with  the  middle  of  the  forehead.  The 
index  is  then  made  to  point  to  the  zenith.  The  hand,  when  arrested,  is 
in  type  position  (I);  it  is  quickly  everted  and  assumes  position  (J)  to 
complete  the  sign.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  half  course  of  the  sun 
or  middle  of  the  day." 

To-morrow. 

Describe  the  motion  of  the  sun  from  east  to  west.    Any  number  of 
days  may  be  counted  upon  the  fingers.     (Burton.) 
11 


82 
Sign  for  \iulil  followed  by  sign  for  Sunrise.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  the  inte 
rior  outline  approximating  a  circle,  and  describe  therewith  a  space  from 
left  to  right,  corresponding  to  the  supposed  course  of  the  sun  during 
twenty-four  hours.  To  distinguish  an  hour,  let  the  hand  pause  at  the 
proper  altitude,  east  or  west  of  the  assumed  meridian.  See  Hour. 
(Arapaho  1.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Sleep;  then  follow  by  counting  one  (see 
Counting),  and  finish  with  the  sign  for  Sunrise.  "One  night's 

sleep." 

Bring  tin-  hand  to  side  of  head,  ami  with  head  reposing  in  right  palm, 
Byea  closed,  lu-ad  and  hand  inclining  to  the  right,  which  is  the  sign 
tor  Sleep.  This  completed,  the  right  arm  and  hand  are  brought  across 
tin-  top  of  tin-  chest,  and  describe  the  sign  for  Day  or  To-day.  This 
sign,  as  is  evident,  is  a  compound  sign,  comprising  that  for  Sleep,  Day, 
or  To-day.  (Oto  an 'I  Mi*xintrL)  "The  day  after  we  sleep." 

Make  the  sign  for  Day  once,  then  reverse  it,  and  stop  at  the  point  in 
the  heavens  indicating  the  intended  time  of  the  day.  If  noon,  point 
directly  upwards.  To  express  two  or  more  days,  make  the  sign  for  Day 
and  hold  up  the  proper  number  of  fingers.  (Iroquois  I.) 

l>«if-niutt'  iKitnral  xit/n — Place  the  hand  on  the  cheek,  incline  the  head, 
and  shut  the  eyes,  to  denote  Sleep,  and  then  raise  the  head  and  open 
the  eyes  to  signify  A  %v;>  *i«'.  and  hold  up  the  forefinger  to  denote  One ; 
that  is  to  say,  in  one  day.  (Ballard.) 

Yesterday. 

Make  with  the  left  hand  the  circle  which  the  sun  describes  from  sun 
rise  to  sunset,  or  invert  the  direction  from  sunset  to  sunrise  with  the 
right  hand.  (Burton.) 

Sign  for  \  i^lit  and  Sunset.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  sign  for  Day,  To-morrow,  the  motion  reversed.   (Arapaho  I.) 

Omit  the  sign  for  Sunrise ;  otherwise  as  Day,  To-morrow. 

(Dakota  I.)    "  Have  slept  one  night." 

The  right  hand  and  arm  are  elevated,  and,  with  hand  in  type  position 
(I),  modified  by  index  being  more  opened,  horizontal,  and  palm  to  the 
breast,  made  to  execute  the  sign  for  Day.  At  the  conclusion  of  this 
sign  the  fingers  are  all  collected  droopingly  extended,  touch  at  points 
slightly  curved.  In  this  position  the  hand  makes  a  sudden  forward 
movement  to  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  " The  day  or  sun  that 
has  gone  down." 


83 

Make  the  sign  for  Hlght,  followed  by  that  for  Before,  in  time. 

(Kaioical;  Comanchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Head,  death. 

Throw  the  forefinger  from  the  perpendicular  into  a  horizontal  position 
towards  the  earth,  with  the  back  downward.  (Long.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  flat  over  the  face,  back  outward,  and  pass  with  the 
similarly  held  right  hand  below  the  former,  gently  striking  or  touch 
ing  it.  (  Wied.)  The  sign  given  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  has  no  similarity 
in  execution  or  conception  with  Wietfs.  (Boteler.)  This  sign  may  con 
vey  the  idea  of  "under"  or  "burial,"  quite  differently  executed  from 
most  others  reported.  Dr.  McOhesney  conjectures  this  sign  to  be  that  of 
wonder  or  surprise  at  hearing  of  a  death,  but  not  a  distinct  sign  for  the 
latter. 

The  finger  of  the  right  hand  passed  to  the  left  hand  and  then  cast 
down.  (Macgowan.) 

Place  the  palm  of  the  hand  at  a  short  distance  from  the  side  of  the 
head,  then  withdraw  it  gently  in  an  oblique  downward  direction  and 
incline  the  head  and  upper  part  of  the  body  in  the  same  direction. 
(Ojibwa  II.)  This  authority  notes  that  there  is  an  apparent  connection 
betwTeeu  this  conception  and  execution  and  the  etymology  of  the  corre 
sponding  terms  in  Ojibwa:  "  he  dies,"  is  nibo;  "  he  sleeps,"  is  niba.  The 
common  idea  expressed  by  the  gesture  is  a  sinking  to  rest.  The  origi 
nal  significance  of  the  root  nib  seems  to  be  "leaning;"  anibeia,  "it  is 
leaning;  anibektceni,  " he  inclines  the  head  sideward."  The  word  niba 
or  nibe  (only  in  compounds)  conveys  the  idea  of  "  night,"  perhaps  as  the 
falling  over,  the  going  to  rest,  or  the  death,  of  the  day.  The  term  for 
"  leaf"  (of  a  tree  or  plant),  which  is  anibish,  may  spring  from  the  same 
root,  leaves  being  the  leaning  or  downhanging  parts  of  the  plant.  With 
this  may  be  compared  the  Chahta  term  for  "leaves,"  literally  translated 
"  tree  hair." 

Hold  both  hands  open,  with  palms  over  ears,  extend  fingers  back  on 
brain,  close  eyes,  and  incline  body  a  little  forward  and  to  right  or  left 
very  low,  and  remain  motionless  a  short  time,  pronouncing  the  word 
Ke-nee-boo  slowly.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Left  hand  flattened  and  held  back  upward,  thumb  inward  in  front  of 
and  a  few  inches  from  the  breast.  Right  hand  slightly  clasped,  fore 
finger  more  extended  than  the  others,  and  passed  suddenly  under  the 
left  hand,  the  latter  being  at  the  same  time  gently  moved  towards  tho 
breast.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "  Gone  under." 

The  left  hand  is  held  slightly  arched,  palm  down,  nearly  at  arm's 
length  before  the  breast;  the  right  extended,  flat,  palm  down,  and 


84 

pointing  forward  is  pushed  from  the  top  of  the  breast,  straight  for 
ward,  underneath,  and  beyond  the  left.     (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Both  hands  horizontal  in  front  of  body,  backs  outward,  index  of  each 
hand  alone  extended,  the  right  index  is  passed  under  the  left  with  a 
downward,  outward  and  then  upward  and  inward  curved  motion  at  the 
same  time  that  the  left  is  moved  inward  toward  the  body  two  or 
three  inches,  the  movements  being  ended  on  the  same  level  as  begun. 
"Upset,  keeled  over."  Many  deaths,  repeat  the  sign  many  times. 
The  sign  furnished  you  before,  I  have  since  ascertained  is  not  used 
in  the  sense  of  dead,  death.  The  sign  credited  to  Titchkemdtski  (Chey- 
1 )  expresses  "gone  under,"  but  is  not  used  in  the  sense  of  death, 
dead,  but  going  under  a  cover,  as  entering  a  lodge,  under  a  table,  etc. 
(]><>kot<t  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Alive,  then  the  sign  for  HTo.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Hold  the  left  hand,  palm  downward  and  backward,  about  a  foot  in 
front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  and  pass  the  right  hand  from  be 
hind  forward  underneath  it.  Or  from  an  upright  position  in  front  of 
the  tare,  back  forward,  index  extended  and  other  fingers  closed,  carry 
the  right  hand  downward  and  forward  underneath  the  left  and  about 
four  inches  beyond  it,  gradually  turning  the  right  hand  until  its  back 
is  upward  and  its  index  points  toward  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Gone 
under  or  buried." 

Hold  the  left  hand  slightly  bent  with  the  palm  down,  before  the  breast, 
then  pass  the  extended  right  hand,  pointing  toward  the  left,  forward 
under  and  beyond  the  left."  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flat,  palm  downward  before  the  body,  then  throw 
it  over  on  its  back  to  the  right,  making  a  curve  of  about  fifteen  inches. 
(Dakota  VI;  Hidafaal',  Arikaral.) 

Extend  right  hand,  palm  down,  hand  curved.  Turn  the  palm  up  in 
moving  the  hand  down  towards  the  earth.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  countenance  is  brought  to  a  steeping  composure  with  the  eyes 
closed.  This  countenance  being  gradually  assumed,  the  head  next 
falls  toward  either  shoulder.  The  arms,  having  been  closed  and 
crossed  upon  the  chest  with  the  hands  in  type  positions  (B  B)  are 
relaxed  and  drop  simultaneously  toward  the  ground,  with  the  fall  of 
the  head.  This  attitude  is  maintained  some  seconds.  (Oto  and  Missouri 
I.)  "  The  bodily  appearance  at  death." 

Place  the  open  hand,  back  upward,  fingers  a  little  drawn  together,  at 
the  height  of  the  breast,  pointing  forward;  then  move  it  slowly  for 
ward  and  downward  turning  it  over  at  the  same  time.  (Iroquois  I.) 
"To  express  'gone  into  the  earth,  face  upward.'" 


85 

The  flat  right  hand  is  waved  outward  and  downward  toward  the  same 
side,  the  head  being  inclined  in  the  same  direction  at  the  time,  with 
eyes  closed.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  loosely  extended  about  fifteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
breast,  palm  down,  then  pass  the  index,  pointing  to  the  left,  in  a  short 
curve  downward,  forward  and  upward  beneath  the  left  palm.  (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanclie  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Bring  the  left  hand  to  the  left  breast,  hand  half  clinched  (H),  then 
bring  the  right  hand  to  the  left  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  in  such 
a  position  as  if  you  were  going  to  take  a  bit  of  string  from  the  fingers 
of  the  left  hand,  and  pull  the  right  hand  off  as  if  you  were  stretching  a 
string  out,  extend  the  hand  to  the  full  length  of  the  arm  from  you  and 
let  the  index  finger  point  outward  at  the  conclusion  of  the  sign.  (Go- 
manche  I.)  "  Soul  going  to  happy  hunting-grounds." 

Close  both  eyes,  and  after  a  moment  throw  the  palm  of  the  right 
hand  from  the  face  downward  and  outward  toward  the  right  side,  the 
head  being  dropped  in  the  same  direction.  (Ute  I.) 

Touch  the  breast  with  the  extended  and  joined  fingers  of  the  right 
hand,  then  throw  the  hand,  palm  to  the  left,  outward  toward  the  right, 
leaning  the  head  in  that  direction  at  the  same  time.  (Apache  I.) 

Palm  of  hand  upward,  then  a  wave-like  motion  towards  the  ground. 

(Zuni  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Place  the  hand  upon  the  cheek,  and  shut  the 
eyes,  and  move  the  hand  downward.  (Bollard.) 

Let  your  head  lie  on  the  open  hand  with  eyes  shut.     (Cross.) 

Use  the  right  shut  hand  as  if  to  draw  a  screw  down  to  fasten  the  lid 
to  the  coffin  and  to  keep  the  eyes  upon  the  hand.  (Hasenstab.) 

Move  the  head  toward  the  shoulder  and  then  close  the  eyes.  (Larson.) 

The  French  deaf-mute  conception  is  that  of  gently  falling  or  sinking, 
the  right  index  falling  from  the  height  of  the  right  shoulder  upon  the 
left  forefinger,  toward  which  the  head  is  inclined. 

Die,  To. 

Right  hand,  forefinger  extended,  side  up,  forming  with  the  thumb 
an  (U);  the  other  fingers  slightly  curved,  touching  each  other,  the  little 
finger  having  its  side  towards  the  ground.  Move  the  hand  right  and  left, 
then  forward,  several  times ;  then  turn  it  over  suddenly,  letting  it  fall 
towards  the  earth.  (Omaha  I.)  "An  animal  wounded,  but  staggering 
a  little  before  it  falls  and  dies." 


86 

Dying. 

Hold  the  left  liand  as  in  dead,  pass  tLe  index  in  the  same  manner 
underneath  the  left,  but  in  a  slow,  gentle,  interrupted  movement.     ( Kai- 
otral;    Comanehe  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.)     "  Step  by  step ;    inch 
by  inch." 
nearly,  but  recovers. 

Hold  the  left  hand  as  in  dead;  pass  the  index  with  a  slow,  easy,  inter 
rnpted  movement  downward,  under  the  left  palm,  as  in  dying,  but 
before  passing  from  under  the  palm  on  the  opposite  return  the  index  in 
the  same  manner  to  point  of  starting,  then  elevate  it.  (Kaioica  I ; 
Cnmanrhe  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Deal'. 

The  tip  of  the  right  index  is  inserted  in  the  right  ear,  withdrawn  and 
rotated  around  the  organ.  (Dakota  I.)  "This  would  seem  to  indicate 
'  M  noise  in  the  ear  preventing  hearing.'" 

Deep. 

Right  hand  with  fingers  extended,  joined,  back  outward,  ends  of  fingers 
pointing  straight  down,  is  carried  downward  in  front  of  the  right  side 
of  the  body  to  near  the  ground,  the  body  being  inclined  forward,  at  the 
same  time,  touching  the  ground,  indicating  that  although  deep  the  bot 
tom  had  been  reached.  ( Dakota  I.)  "  Finding  the  depth  of  water,  etc." 

Place  the  flat  hand,  palm  down,  several  feet  from  the  earth,  or  at 
such  elevation  to  show  depth,  and  pass  it  slowly  to  one  side.  (Dakota 
VI;  Hidatm  I  ;  Arikara  I.) 

Deer. 

The  right  hand  extended  upwards  by  the  right  ear  with  a  quick  putt 
from  the  mouth.  (Dunbar.) 

The  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  is  extended  vertically,  with  the  back 
toward  the  breast;  it  is  then  turned  from  side  to  side,  to  imitate  the 
motion  of  the  animal  when  he  walks  at  his  leisure.  (Long.} 

Pass  the  ii] >littetl  hand  to  and  fro  several  times  in  front  of  the  face. 
(Wiefl.)  I  have  given  you  much  the  same  sign  for  "white-tailed  deer," 
but  I  have  said  that  all  fingers,  except  the  index,  were  flexed.  This 
may  not  be  absolutely  essential  in  making  the  sign,  which  is  simply  de 
signed  to  imitate  the  peculiar  motion  of  the  tail  when  the  animal  stands 
observing.  (Matthew.)  The  right  arm  is  elevated  to  the  front  of  the 
body  and  the  right  index-finger,  in  position  (HI),  projected  forward  sev 
eral  times.  The  hands,  with  extended  and  divergent  fingers,  as  in  posi 
tion  (P),  are  now  placed  aside  of  the  head  to  represent  the  animal's 
horns.  The  right  index-finger  is  now  extended  full  length  and  wagged 
behind.  The  above  Oto  sign  differs  from  that  of  Wied's  in  execution,  and 
in  the  latter  the  conception  is  wanting,  which  is  the  animal  with  branch 
ing  horns  that  runs  in  jumps.  (Boteler.) 


H7 

Extend  the  thumbs  and  the  two  forefingers  of  each  hand  on  each  side 
of  the  head.  (Burton.) 

Both  hands,  fingers  irregularly  outspread  and  elevated  to  sides  of 
head  to  represent  outspread  horns  of  deer.  (Cheyenne  I.)  This  sign  is 
made  by  our  deaf-mutes. 

With  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  body  on  a  level  with  the  breast 
and  about  eighteen  inches  from  it,  back  of  hand  to  the  right  (S  1), 
make  quick  sidewise  motions  with  the  hand  in  imitation  of  the  motion 
of  the  deer's  tail  when  running.  The  wrist  is  fixed  in  making  this 
sign.  Corrrected  from  sign  before  given.  (Dakota  I.)  "Movements 
of  the  deer's  tail  when  running." 

Hands  applied  to  each  temple,  fingers  spread  and  pointing  upward. 
(Dakota  II.)  "Horns." 

Bring  right  hand  to  a  level  with  the  shoulder,  thumb  and  forefinger 
curved,  three  fingers  curved  and  nearly  closed  (x).  Move  thumb  and 
forefinger  forward,  wrist  motion  alone,  imitating  the  movements  of  the 
animal.  (Omaha  I.)  "  The  deer  runs." 

Similar  to  the  preceding,  but  with  wrist  and  arm  motion,  with  hand 
raised  high  above  the  head.  (Omaha  I.)  "The  deer  bounds  away." 

Hold  the  right  hand  down,  extend  index-finger,  thumb  tip  touching 
tip  of  middle  finger;  shake  index-finger  rapidly.  (Omaha  I.)  "The 
deer  goes  along  rapidly,  making  its  tail  shake." 

Hold  right  hand  next  to  left  shoulder,  thumb  crossing  middle  finger 
at  first  joint;  move  index-finger  back  and  forth  to  and  from  left  shoulder. 
(Omaha  I.)  "The  deer's  tail  shows  bright  or  red  in  the  distance  as  it 
leaps  away." 

Similar  to  the  preceding,  but  the  hand  is  held  in  front  on  a  level  with 
the  face  and  moved  right  and  left.  (Omaha  I.)  "  The  deer's  tail  shows 
white  suddenly." 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  the  right  index  extended  is  thrown 
forward  several  times.  The  hands  with  extended  and  divergent  fingers 
as  in  position  (I),  are  placed  aside  the  head  to  resemble  the  branching 
horns.  Finally  the  extended  index-finger  is  wagged  from  the  seat  of 
body.  (Oto  and  Missouri  i.)  "The  branching  horns,  short  tail  and 
leaping  motion  of  the  animal." 

Imitate  the  motion  of  a  deer  running  by  closing  the  hand,  palm  down 
ward,  except  the  two  forefingers,  which  are  only  a  little  bent  downward. 
Then  move  the  hand  forward  from  you  with  a  rather  slow  up-and-down 
motion,  slightly  moving  the  two  forefingers — the  whole  designed  to 


88 

mimic  the  long  jumps  with  which  a  deer  starts  off.  If  necessary  to  ex 
plain  this  further,  place  one  hand  on  each  side  of  the  head  to  represent 
horns.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Place  both  hands,  flat,  with  fingers  and  thumbs  spread,  on  either 
side  of  the  head  and  a  short  distance  from  it.  ( Ute  I.) 

Place  the  hands  with  fingers  fully  extended  and  spread  about  twelve 
inches  from  either  side  of  the  head  and  slightly  above  it.  (Apache  I.) 

Black-tailed  (Cariacus  macrotis  (Say),  Gray]. 

First  make  the  gesture  for  Deer  then  indicate  a  tail.  (Wied.) 
When  he  says  "  indicate  a  tail,"  I  have  little  doubt  that  he  refers  to  the 
sign  I  have  already  given  you  for  deer,  blacktailed.  (Mandan  and  Hidat- 
sa  I.)  I  do  not  think  it  is  either  essential  or  common  to  "make  the  pre 
ceding  gesture"  either  "first"  or  last,  (Matthews.) 

Extend  both  hands,  fingers  close  together,  place  them  with  palms  to 
front  on  each  side  of  the  forehead,  fingers  upward,  and  then  make  short 
motions  back  and  forth  in  imitation  of  the  movements  of  the  large  ears 
of  the  animal.  (Dakota  II.) 

With  the  right  index,  its  palm  inward,  on  the  right  side,  at  the  height 
of  the  hip,  pass  the  left  index,  back  forward,  from  its  middle  forward  to 
its  end.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  That  much  black." 

The  left  hand  is  held  pendent  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  chest, 
thumb  inward,  finger  ends  approximated  to  each  other  as  much  as 
possible  (i.  c.,  with  the  1st  and  4th  drawn  together  under  the  2d  and 
3d).  The  right  hand  is  then  closed  around  the  left  (palm  to  back  and 
covering  the  bases  of  the  left-hand  fingers)  and  drawn  downward,  still 
closed,  until  it  is  entirely  drawn  away.  This  sign  seems  to  represent  the 
act  of  smoothing  down  the  fusiform  tuft  at  the  end  of  the  animal's  tail. 
(Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

White-tailed  [Cariacus  mrginianus  macrurus  (Raf.)  Coues]. 

Move  the  right  hand,  its  palm  obliquely  forward  and  downward,  from 
side  to  side  two  or  three  times  about  a  foot,  through  an  arc  of  a  circle, 
at  the  height  of  the  hip,  on  the  right  side  (the  tail  of  the  deer) ;  then 
with  the  palm  inward  and  the  fingers  pointing  forward,  cast  the  hand 
forward  several  times  through  an  arc  of  about  a  foot  to  imitate  the 
jumping  of  a  deer.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  upright  before  the  chest,  all  fingers  but  the 
index  being  bent,  the  palm  being  turned  as  much  to  the  front  as  possi 
ble.  The  hand  is  then  wagged  from  side  to  side  a  few  times  rather 
slowly.  The  arm  is  moved  scarcely  or  not  at  all.  This  sign  represents 
the  motion  of  the  deer's  tail.  (Mandan  and  Hidatm  I.) 


89 

Elevate  the  forearm  to  the  height  of  the  elbow,  pointing  forward,  ex 
tend  the  flattened  hand,  pointing  upward,  with  the  palm 'forward ;  then 
throw  the  hand  right  and  left  several  times,  the  motion  being  rotation 
of  the  forearm.  (Arikara  I.)  "  From  the  motion  and  white  appearance 
of  the  deer's  tail  in  running." 

Defiance.    I  defy  you. 

Point  to  the  person  you  defy  to  do  the  act  with  the  right  index 
(others  closed),  and  then  turn  the  hand,  extend  the  fingers  so  that  they 
will  appear  as  figured  in  (V),  when  the  hand  is  drawn  in  to  the  body  with 
considerable  force.  This  would  indicate  Come  and  do  it,  but  the  empha 
sis  of  the  motion  and  accompanying  facial  expression  indicate  some 
thing  stronger  than  invitation.  ( Dakota  I.) 

The  right  hand  closed  with  the  index  only  extended  and  slightly 
crooked,  palm  facing  front;  hold  about  twenty  inches  in  front  of  the  chest 
and  wave  the  finger  from  side  to  side,  movement  being  made  at  the, 
wrist.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Italian  sign. — Every  tyro  in  Latin  knows  that  extending  the  middle  or 
little  finger,  gestures  still  made  every  day  at  Koine,  was  a  token  of 
scorn  or  defiance. 

Bite  the  forefinger,  commonly  with  the  joint  nearest  the  end  bent — a 
gesture  which  throws  light  on  "the  biting  the  thumb  at  me,"  with  which 
Romeo  and  Juliet  commences. 

When  one  would  kill  the  hopes  of  a  mendicant  and  say  he  will  give 
nothing  with  emphasis,  he  blows  on  his  hand  and  shows  it  wide  open  to 
the  petitioner  or  elevates  one  forefinger,  shaking  it  gently  to  and  fro. 
(Butler.) 

Deity;   God;   Great  Spirit;  Great  Father;   Master  of 

Life. 

Blow  upon  the  open  hand,  point  upward  with  the  extended  index- 
finger  whilst  turning  the  closed  hand  hither  and  thither,  then  sweep  it 
above  the  earth  and  allow  it  to  drop.  ( Wied.)  I  have  never  seen  this 
sign.  I  once  extracted  a  bullet  from  the  leg  of  a  deaf  and  dumb  Indian 
of  Sioux  descent  who  had  lived  long  among  the  Arikaras.  When  the 
operation  was  completed  he  made  some  preliminary  sign  (for  thanks) 
which  I  did  not  observe  well,  and  then  pointed  to  me  and  upward 
to  the  sky.  One  of  the  best  interpreters  in  the  country,  who  was  a  by 
stander,  told  me  that  the  Indian  thanked  me  and  the  Great  Spirit.  I 
say  ume"  first  as  he  first  pointed  in  my  direction.  (Matthews.)  There 
is  no  similarity  in  the  sign  (Oto  I)  and  Wied's.  (Boteler.) 

When  speaking  of  the  Great  Spirit  they  usually  make  a  reverential 
or  timid  glance  upwards,  or  point  the  forefinger  perpendicularly  but 
gently  to  the  sky.     (Ojibtcal.) 
12 


90 

First  make  the  sign  for  Sacred  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Big. 
(Dakota  I.)  "The  great  Sacred  Being." 

First  make  the  sign  for  Medicine-mail,  and  then  after  placing 
the  opened  relaxed  hands,  palms  inward,  about  six  inches  apart,  up 
right,  just  above  the  head,  move  them  apart  to  arm's-length.  (Dakota 
IV.)  "A  thunder  cloud  coining  up  and  spreading." 

Point  toward  the  zenith,  allowing  the  eyes  to  follow  the  same  direc 
tion.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  arms  are  flexed  and  both  hands  elevated  open  as  in  position  rep 
resented  (W).  When  hands  are  elevated  on  sides  of  head  on  a  level 
with  the  eyes  a  uniform  swaying  "to  and  fro"  movement  is  performed, 
followed  by  an  upward  movement  of  right  hand  as  in  hand  position  (J). 
(Oto  I.)  ••  Him  above  who  is  an  angel  'on  the  wing.'" 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  straight  and  extended  (or 

slightly  curved);  hold  it  before  the  face,  move  the  hand  quickly  forward 

and  downward  for  a  distance  of  about  six  inches,  then  pass  the  index 

vertically  upward  before  the  face  about  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head. 

I'tr  I.) 

Elevate  hand  toward  sky,  deliberately  ;  looking  upward.    (Apache  III.) 

Extend  the  right  hand  with  the  index  pointing  upward,  the  eyes  also 
being  turned  upward.  (  Wichita  I.) 


natural  .v/V///\.—  First  close  the  hand  except  its  forefinger, 
and  then  move  it  up  slowly  and  also  turn  the  eyes  toward  the  clouds 
with  a  solemn  expression.  (Ifawnxtab.) 

To  look  up  to  heaven,  at  the  same  time  to  point  with  the  forefinger  as 
if  to  point  to  heaven.  (Znuler.) 

Depart.    See  dio. 
Destroyed;  all  gone;  no  more. 

The  hands  held  horizontally,  and  the  palms  rubbed  together,  two  or 
three  times  round,  the  right  hand  is  then  carried  off  from  the  other,  in 
a  short,  horizontal  curve.  (Lona.)  Rubbed  out.  This  resembles  the 
Edinburg  and  our  deaf-mute  sign  tor  "forgive"  or  "  clemency,"  the  nib 
bing  out  of  offense. 

Left  hand  held  in  front,  outspread,  palm  upward,  right-hand  fingers 
extended,  palm  down,  swept  rapidly  across  palm,  of  left.  Eight  hand 
sometimes  held  out  after  passing  over  the  left  with  fingers  wide  spread 
ami  shaking  as  if  expressing  bad  in  the  sense  of  no  good.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Move  both  hands  as  if  in  act  of  rending  asunder  or  tearing  in  pieces 
and  throwing  aside  with  violence  and  sudden  jerks  of  hands  and  arms 
(Ojibwa  IV.) 


91 
Exhausted,  consumed,  completed. 


The  left  haud,  extended,  palm  upward,  pointing  diagonally  forward 
and  to  the  right,  is  placed  before  the  chest.  Then  the  right  hand, 
palm  downward,  is  laid  transversely  on  the  left,  and,  while  the  left  re 
mains  stationary,  the  right  is  carried  forward  a  foot  or  more  with  a 
rapid  sweep.  To  show  a  gradual  diminution  and  then  exhaustion,  the 
right  palm  revolves  on  the  left  once  or  oftener  with  a  gradual  motion, 
as  if  some  plastic  substance  were  made  spherical  between  the  palms. 
(Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Place  the  open  left  hand  in  front  of  the  navel,  palm  backward,  and 
move  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  downward,  in  a  horizontal  circle 
above  it.  (Oto  I.)  "All  caught,  killed,  or  destroyed.  That's  the  end 
of  it." 

This  sign  resembles  that  for  Go.  The  right  arm,  flexed,  and  the 
hand,  in  position  (B  1),  modified  by  being  more  horizontal,  is  brought 
to  the  epigastrium.  The  arm  is  then  suddenly  extended,  hand  likewise, 
with  fingers  extended  approximated,  palms  downward.  The  left  hand 
in  the  same  position  approaches  the  side  of  the  right,  both  now  being  in 
type-position  (W),  diverge  and  sweep  backward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"All  gone  or  swept  away." 

By  force. 

Imitate  the  breaking  of  a  stick  in  the  two  hands  and  throwing  the 
pieces  away,  then  lightly  strike  the  palms  and  open  fingers  of  the  hands 
together  as  if  brushing  dust  off  them.  The  amount  of  force  used  and 
the  completeness  of  the  destruction  is  shown  by  greater  or  less  vigor  of 
action  and  facial  expression.  (Dodge.} 

Anything  of  little  importance,  and  by  accident  or  design. 


Indicate  the  object,  then  slightly  strike  the  palms  and  open  fingers  of 
the  hands  together,  as  if  brushing  dust  off  from  them.  (Dodge.} 

Rotate  the  right  palm  upon  the  left  as  if  rubbing  something  into 
smaller  fragments.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
"  Eubbing  out ;  grinding  to  atoms." 

Raise  both  hands  to  position  on  right  of  face,  fingers  extended,  sepa 
rate,  and  pointing  upward,  palms  facing  each  other  (R,  1,  right  and  left), 
then  with  an  energetic  movement  throw  both  to  left  side,  as  though 
throwing  something  violently  to  the  ground ;  tken  place  hands  near 
together  and  make  sign  for  AH  gone.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Broken  into 
pieces ;  nothing  of  its  former  self  remaining." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Imitate  the  act  of  breaking  and  move  the 
hands  in  a  curve  in  opposite  directions.  (Bollard.) 


92 

-  Ruined. 

An  article  might  be  destroyed,  ruined,  by  breaking,  when  the  sign  for 
brrak  inMit  be  used  in  connection  with  the  sign  for  the  particular  arti 
cle  destroyed;  same  by  fire:  but  the  idea  of  rubbed  out,  as  contained 
in  gone,  appears  to  be  the  prevalent  one.     (Dakota  I.) 

-  Spent. 

Bring  both  hands  together  in  front  of  the  breast,  the  left  hand  under 
the  right,  hori/ontal,  flat,  palm  upward,  fingers  extended  obliquely  to 
ward  the  right  (X),  right  hand  with  fingers  extended  obliquely  toward 
the  left,  flat,  palm  downward  (  W)  on  the  palm  of  the  left,  slide  the  two 
palmar  surfaces  over  each  other,  moving  the  hands  slightly  inward  and 
outward.  (Dakota  I.)  "Rubbed  out." 

Dialogue.    See  Speaking. 

Different,  contrasted. 

First  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  extended,  separated  (others 
closed),  is  passed  from  the  right  breast  outward,  with  back  of  hand 
toward  tin-  right,  forefinger  pointing  obliquely  upward,  and  the  second 
finger  pointing  straight  outward  or  forward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  The  idea  of 
this  is  contained  in  contrasting  the  appearance  of  the  two  fingers;  one 
of  the  lingers  is  so  and  the  other  is  not  so—  i.  e.,  not  the  same,  different." 

Dirty. 

Point  to  the  .mound  witli  the  right  index,  and  then  carry  the  hand  in 
front  of  the  fare,  with  lingers  separated,  hand  upright,  back  outward 
(R),  move  up  and  down  and  around,  as  though  covering  the  face  and 
breasts.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Dirt  from  the  ground  covering  the  face,"  etc. 

Di«cliarge  or  a  gun.    See  Gun. 

—  of  an  Arrow.     See  Arrow. 


.    (Compare  Contempt.) 
Extend  both  hands  quickly  outward  from  near  the  face,  palms  out; 
turn  away  the  face  slightly  from  the  object  of  disgust  ;  extend  the  hands 
and  arms  but  partly.     (Ojibica  IV.) 

Tap  the  left  breast  (heart)  with  the  right  hand,  fingers  extended, 
back  outward,  then  the  hand  is  carried  forward  outward  in  front  of  the 
right  breast,  so  that  the  palm  is  up,  fingers  extended,  pointing  outward, 
hand  horizontal  (X),  where  it  is  slightly  rotated  or  curved  a  few  times, 
and  thru  carried  directly  outward  toward  the  right,  back  outward. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  I  am  not  pleased  or  satisfied." 

Sign  as  for  Surprise,  Wonder,  then  turn  the  head  over  the  left 
shoulder,  retaining  the  hand  over  the  mouth.  (Omaha  I.)  "As  at  the 
sight  of  a  (lead  body." 


93 

Shake  the  head  slowly  from  side  to  side,  at  the  same  time  throwing 
the  open  right  hand,  palm  dowii,  outward  toward  the  right  side.  ( Wy- 
andot  I.) 

Avert  the  head  and  make  the  sign  of  Negation.  (Apache  III.) 
N.  B.  In  narrative,  simply  disapproval. 

Dissatisfaction,  or  Discontent. 

The  extended  finger  placed  transversely  before  the  situation  of  the 
heart,  rotate  the  wrist  two  or  three  times  gently,  forming  a  quarter  of  a 
circle  each  time.  (Long.) 

The  index  right  hand  held  transversely  before  the  heart  and  rotated 
from  the  wrist  several  times.  (Dakota  I)  "  Heart  ill  at  ease;  disturb 
ance  of  the  organ."  Our  aborigines,  like  modern  Europeans,  poetically 
regard  the  heart  as  the  seat  of  the  affections  and  emotions,  not  select 
ing  the  liver  or  stomach  as  other  peoples  have  done  with  greater  physio 
logical  reason. 

Distance,  Long* ;   Far. 

Place  the  hands  close  together  and  then  move  them  slowly  asunder, 
so  slowly  that  they  seem  as  if  they  would  never  complete  the  gesture. 
A  Cheyenne  sign.  This  sign  is  also  made  to  indicate  great  antiquity  in 
time.  (Report  of  Lieut.  J.  W.  Abert  of  his  examination  of  New  Mexico 
in  the  years  1846-'47.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  41,  30th  Congress,  1st  session,  p. 
426.) 

(1)  Head  drawn  back  or  elevated,  eyebrows  contracted  as  if  looking 
to  great  distance,  right  hand  raised  to  level  of  chin,  palm  upward  :  (2) 
pushed  forward  with  a  curved  motion  in  the  direction  in  which  the 
speaker  is  looking.  ( Cheyenne  I.) 

A  slowly  ascending  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  fingers  joined, 
from  the  body  and  in  the  direction  desired  to  be  indicated.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Raise  the  right  hand  to  a  natural  position,  thumb  below  the  two  first 
fingers,  then  the  arm  with  rising  motion  as  high  as  top  of  head,  stretch 
ing  it  out  as  far  as  possible;  then  bend  the  hand  downward,  the  arm 
falling  slowly,  ad vauce  the  body  slightly  without  moving  feet.  (Qjib- 
wa  IV.) 

Eight  hand,  forefinger  of  which  is  extended  and  points  forward  (other 
fingers  closed)  (JU),  palm  toward  the  left,  is  extended  in  front  of  the 
breast  as  far  as  the  arm  will  reach,  the  body  being  inclined  forward  at 
the  same  time,  the  extended  position  maintained  a  moment  and  then  the 
body  and  hand  are  brought  back  with  a  moderately  quick  movement. 
To  a  limited  and  very  indefinite  extent  distance  is  sought  to  be  expressed 
by  the  distance  the  arm  is  extended  and  the  amount  of  leaning  forward. 
(Dakota  I.)  u  Distance." 


94 

From  an  upright  position  just  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder  and  a 
little  above  it,  palm  forward,  lingers  relaxed  and  thumb  against  the 
index,  move  the  right  hand  forward  and  upward  through  an  arc  to 
arm's  h-ngtli  and  to  the  height  of  the  head,  gradually  turning  the  palm 
downward. 

Or  with  the  fingers  at  right  angles  with  the  palm,  pointing  toward  the 
left  and  their  backs  forward,  thumb  in  palm,  move  the  right  hand  from 
the  right  shoulder  forward  and  upward  to  arm's  length.  The  left  hand, 
its  back  forward,  to  be  held  in  front  of  the  right  breast.  ( Dakota  IV.) 

Elevate  the  right  hand  to  a  position  in  front  of  the  chest,  drop  the 
index-linger  toward  the  ground,  then  move  it  forward  and  upward,  rest 
ing  it  on  a  line  slightly  above  the  horizon,  the  eyes  following  the  direc 
tion  indicated.  The  idea  of  much  greater  distance,  or  to  intensify  the 
extreme  distance  intended,  is  done  by  making  the  gesture  a  little 
quicker,  turning  the  finger  higher  at  the  end  of  the  sign,  and  throw 
ing  hack  the  head  slightly.  (Dakota  V.) 

Place  the  Hat  hand  in  front  of  the  chest,  pendent,  then  gently  indicate 
a  course  from  before  the  body  to  arm's  length,  fingers  pointing  above 
the  horizon.  (Dakota  VII.) 

Describe  the  curve  by  raising  the  hand  above  and  in  front  of  the  head 
(J),  index  extended  more  to  the  right  or  left  according  to  the  direction 
intended  and  the  hand  that  is  used.  (Omaha  I.)  "Go  around  in  that 
way." 

Another:  Throw  the  right  hand  backward  over  the  shoulder,  index 
extended,  then  upward  and  forward.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Raise  the  arm  above  and  in  front  of  the  head,  then  pointing 
forward  with  index,  shoot  the  hand  forward  to  arm's  length  horizontally. 
(Omaha  1.) 

The  arms  are  folded  and  the  hands,  in  type  position  (C),  are  approxi 
mated  before  the  chest.  The  arms  and  hands  then  widely  diverge  from 
the  body  to  signify  intended  space  existing  between  two  objects  or  per 
sons,  as  the  case  may  be.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Wide  extent  of  space 
between." 

Point  with  the  extended  index  at  arm's  length  a  little  above  the  hori 
zon,  the  eyes  following  the  same  direction.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Push  the  hand  forward  and  a  little  downward  (T  on  edge,  palm  in); 
repeat  with  hand  a  little  higher,  again  and  again,  each  time  higher  and 
farther  forward.  (Apache  III.)  "  Over  several  mountains." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Extend  the  forefinger  forward,  and  look  into 
the  distance.  (Bollard.) 


Bending-  slowly  your  body  forward,  move  your  outstretched  hand, 
with  your  eyes  looking  over  a  great  space,  in  the  direction  the  hand 
moves.  (Cross.) 

Move  the  open  hand  up  in  a  horizontal  line  from  back  to  front  and, 
at  the  same  time,  blow  lightly  from  the  mouth.  (Hasemtab.) 

Separate  the  two  fists  from  each  other.     (Larson.) 
'•  Halfway. 


Make  sign  of  for  Far  away  and  then  bring  the  hand  halfway  back 

to  the  shoulder.     (Dakota  IV.) 


Short. 


Same  motion  of  hand  as  great  distance,  only  project  arm  forward 
a  little,  do  not  raise  so  high  and  drop  more  quickly,  wrist  and  hand 
bent  down  more,  no  movement  of  body.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

The  forefinger  left  hand  extended  straight,  upright  ( J  except  palm 
outward,  edge  of  fingers  sidewise)  is  held  on  the  level  of  the  eyes  18 
inches  in  front,  and  then  the  right  hand  in  the  same  position  ( J,  etc.) 
is  carried  upward  close  to  the  body  as  high  as  tlie  right  eye,  and  then 
directly  forward  to  near  the  left  hand  (which  is  stationary),  a  little  to  the 
right  side  and  behind  it,  so  that  the  extended  forefingers  are  nearly  on  a 
line  and  with  their  palmar  surfaces  outward.  (Dakota  I.)  "Approach 
ing,  coming  near  any  person  or  object." 

Hold  the  right  hand  as  for  Far  away,  and  place  it  in  front  of  the 
right  breast  and  close  to  it.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Do,  To.     I  have  done  it. 

Throw  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  inward,  from1  an  upright  position 
in  front  of  the  right  shoulder  forward  and  downward  until  it  is  horizon 
tal  and  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Do  it  again.     (Compare  Repeat.) 

Pass  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  backward,  straight  across  from 
right  to  left  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  chest,  beginning  a  little  out 
side  of  the  line  of  the  right  side  and  stopping  in  front  of  the  right 
breast.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Doctor,  Physician. 

Make  motions  and  movements  of  head  and  body  as  if  hunting  and 
examining  herbs  and  roots,  also  by  signs  of  smelling  and  tasting,  and, 
as  if  holding  the  thing  gathered,  point  with  the  right  hand,  motion  as 
if  to  drink  or  swallow.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  first  two  fingers  extended  and  slightly 
separated,  elevate  to  before  the  forehead  and  move  the  fingers  circular. 


9C 

ly,  passing  the  hand  slightly  upward  at  the  same  time.     (Absaroka  I.) 
"  Superior  knowledge." 

Make  the  signs  for  White  man,  and  Shaman.  (Dakota  VI, 
VII;  Hidatxa  I;  Arikaru  I.) 

The  left  hand  is  extended  ;is  in  (W)  and  the  back  of  it  rubbed  by 
index  of  right  hand  extended  as  in  (J).  Both  hands  are  then  brought 
tremblingly  to  sides  of  chest  as  in  type  (Q.)  The  hands  are  then  carried 
to  the  sides  of  head  and  extended  indices  press  the  temples.  The  right 
hand  is  then  swept  vertically  edgewise  up  before  the  face  and  retained 
thus  several  seconds:  left  falls  to  side.  (Oto  I.)  "One  distinguished, 
who  rubs  touetlier  or  writes  that  which  removes  inward  distress." 

First  make  the  sign  for  White  man,  which  must  be  quickly  fol 
lowed  by  plat-ing  the  closed  right  hand  before  the  face,  leaving  the 
index  and  second  lingers  extended  and  separated,  then  rotate  the  hand 
in  passing  it  upward  and  forward  to  the  height  of  the  top  of  the  head. 
(Kiiion-a  I:  ('o,,tam-lu-  III;  .-l/mr/iell;  Wichita  II.)  "Superior  knowl 
edge." 

Right  hand  closed  with  the  index  only  extended,  elevate  to  before  the 
forehead,  and  move  circularly,  passing  the  hand  slightly  upward  at  the 
same  time.  (NhottltoHi  «n<l  Itnnnk  I.)  "Superior  knowledge." 

Indian.     See  .flrd  ieiiie  Hail. 


Dog;. 

Pass  tne  flat  hand  from  above  downward,  stopping  at  the  height  of  a 
dog's  back.  ( Wied.)  In  the  Oto  sign  the  hand  is  opened,  palm  down 
ward,  the  whole  then  held  about  the  height  of  the  animal  from  the  ground 
in  passing  from  side  to  side  before  the  body.  It  is  evident  at  a  glance 
that  this  sign  and  Wietfs  are  similar  in  conception  and  execution.  The 
slight  difference  may  be,  attributed  to  the  contributor's  misconstruction. 
(Boteler.) 

Is  shown  by  drawing  the  two  forefingers  slightly  opened  horizontally 
across  the  breast  from  right  to  left.  (Burton.)  This  sign  would  not  be 
intelligible  without  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  before  the  introduction 
of  the  horse,  and  even  yet,  the  dog  has  been  used  to  draw  the  tent- 
I>oles  in  moving  camp,  and  the  sign  represents  the  trail.  Indians  less 
nomadic,  who  built  mdre  substantial  lodges,  and  to  whom  the  material 
for  poles  was  less  precious  than  on  the  plains,  would  not,  perhaps, 
have  comprehended  this  sign,  and  the  more  general  one  is  the  palm 
lowered  as  if  to  stroke  gently  in  a  line  conforming  to  the  animal's  head 
and  neck.  It  is  abbreviated  by  simply  lowering  the  hand  to  the  usual 


97 

height  of  the  wolfish  aboriginal  breed,  and  suggests  the  animal  par 
excellence  domesticated  by  the  Indians  and  made  a  companion. 

Eight  hand  lowered,  palm  downward,  as  if  to  stroke  a  dog's  head  and 
back,  and  moved  along  from  before  backward  horizontally,  conforming 
to  the  head,  neck,  and  back  of  a  dog,  elevated  or  depressed  to  express 
difference  of  size.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Extend  and  spread  the  right,  fore,  and  middle  fingers,  and  move  the 
hand  about  18  inches  from  left  to  right  across  the  front  of  the  body  at 
the  height  of  the  navel,  palm  downward,  fingers  pointing  toward  the 
left  and  a  little  downward,  little  and  ring  fingers  to  be  loosely  closed,  the 
thumb  against  the  ring-finger.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Represents  the  lodge- 
poles  and  'travois'  which  were  formerly  dragged  by  the  dogs." 

Fore  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  (others  closed)  extended,  sep 
arated  V-shaped,  carried  with  a  downward  winding  motion  from  about 
the  left  shoulder  in  front  of  the  body  to  the  right,  the  hand  stopping 
right  side  of  the  body  well  to  the  front  at  about  the  height  of  a  good- 
sized  dog.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  use  of  the  dog  in  carrying  the  lodge- 
poles." 

Cross  the  thumb  over  the  middle  finger,  three  fingers  being  closed, 
back  of  hand  down.  The  forefinger  curved  represents  the  tail.  (Omaha 
I.)  "The  tail  moving  up  and  down  as  he  walks." 

Another:  Hold  right  hand  in  front  of  you,  thumb  over  first  joint  of  mid 
dle  finger  (not  crossing  it),  forefinger  straight  and  pointing  up;  shake  it 
right  and  left,  moving  it  about  6  inches.  (Omaha  I.)  "The  tail,  ele 
vated,  shakes  in  the  air,  as  when  he  scents  any  game." 

Imitate  the  quick,  running  movement  of  a  dog,  by  moving  the  hand 
from  the  breast  forward,  palm  downward,  and  at  the  same  time  partly 
closing  and  opening  all  the  fingers  together  quite  rapidly.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  ex 
tended  and  joined,  hold  it  forward  from  and  lower  than  the  hip,  and 
draw  it  backward,  the  course  following  the  outline  of  a  dog's  form  from 
head  to  tail.  (Kaiowa  I  ;  Gomanche  III;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

The  French  and  American  deaf-mutes  specifically  express  the  dog  by 
snapping  the  fingers  and  then  patting  the  thigh,  or  by  patting  the  knee 
and  imitating  barking  with  the  lips. 

Or  wolf. 

Bring  both  arms  together  at  wrists  and  hands  together  in  position 
( W).     Sometimes  the  sign  is  made  further  plain  by  the  Indian  making 
an  accompanying  bow-wow  with  mouth.    (Oto  I.)    "  Height  of  animal 
and  size." 
13 


Done,  finished. 

The  hands  placed  edge  np  and  down,  parallel  to  each  other,  the 
right  hand  without,  which  latter  is  drawn  back  as  if  cutting  something. 
(Dunbar.)  "An  end  left  after  cutting  is  suggested;  perhaps  our  col 
loquial  'cut  short.'" 

A  motion  of  cutting  with  the  right  hand.     (Macgowan.) 

'  Both  fiste  clinched,  placed  before  the  chest,  palms  facing,  then  drawn 
apart  and  outward  toward  their  respective  sides.     (Abmroka  I  ;  Sho- 
i  and  Banak  I.) 


The  hands  placed  in  front  of  body  horizontal,  with  fingers  extended, 
arched,  meeting  near  the  tips,  thumbs  resting  on  tips  of  forefingers,  back 
of  hands  outward,  separate  the  two  hands  by  carrying  to  the  right  and 
left  slowly.  (  Dakota  I.)  "  Drawn  apart,  an  end  left," 

From  positions  about  4  inches  apart  and  a  foot  in  front  of  the  upper 
part  of  the  chest,  the  upright  lists,  palms  facing,  are  to  be  separated 
about  .">  feet,  each  one  being  made  to  describe  an  arc  downward.  Or, 
after  placing  the  half-closed  hands  near  together  and  opposite  each  other, 
obliquely  upward  and  inward,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of 
the  chest,  quickly  separate  them  about  3  feet,  (Dakota  IV.)  "  We  will 
part." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  a  little  over  a  right  angle  and  brought  closer 
to  the  front  of  chest.  The  hand  in  position  (S  1),  modified  by  being  hori 
zontal  with  palm  toward  the  breast  and  tips  of  index  and  ring  fingers 
resting  on  biceps  flexor  muscle  of  opposite  arm!  Sometimes  the  arm  is 
held  in  same  posture  away  from  the  body.  The  sign  is  completed  by  a 
cutting  stroke  with  hand,  edges  up  and  down,  from  left  to  right.  (Oto 
I.)  "  We  cut  it  short  ;  are  done." 

Hold  the  left  fist  horizontally  in  front  of  the  body,  then  pass  the  flat 
and  extended  right  hand,  edgewise,  quickly  downward  in  front  of  the 
left.  Sometimes  the  right  is  passed  down  in  front  of  and  by  the 
knuckles  of  the  left.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita 
II.)  "  Cut  off." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.  —  Hold  both  hands  slightly  extended,  with  the 
palms  downward,  and  then  turn  the  hands  over,  at  the  same  time  giving 
a  side  movement  to  right  and  left  with  each  arm.  (Hasenstab.) 

Similar  to  the  sign  for  None,  meaning  "  nothing  more."    (Ballard.) 

The  French  and  our  deaf-mutes  give  a  cutting  motion  downward  with 
the  right  hand  at  a  right  angle  to  the  left. 


99 

Door,  entrance,  &e. 

The  arms  are  elevated  and  semi-flexed  before  body.  The  hands  are 
then  collected  in  type-position  (U)  and  tips  of  index  fingers  made  to 
touch.  The  arms,  with  finger-tips  in  contact,  then  approach  and  diverge 
several  times.  (Oto  I.)  "  The  triangular  entrance  to  the  wigwam  opens 
and  shuts." 

Doubt.    See  Indecision. 

Drawn  out. 

Both  hands  extended  in  front  of  body,  the  left  on  the  outside  and  at 
a  lower  elevation  than  the  right,  both  hands  fists,  the  left  (B),  the  right 
with  back  looking  toward  the  right;  draw  both  arms  in  toward  the 
body,  and  then  carry  out  again,  repeating  the  movements  several  times 
as  though  drawing  out  for  some  distance.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  drawing 
out  of  the  water  or  hole  a  person  or  thing." 

Dream. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Sleep,  and  then  the  hand  is  carried  down 
ward  from  the  head  and  curved  upward  and  inward  to  the  right  breast, 
and  then  thrown  out  from  the  body  (turned  over)  with  a  downward 
curved  movement,  i.  e.,  hand  turned  partially  over  so  that  the  extended 
fingers  point  toward  the  left,  palm  of  hand  nearly  flat,  thumb  outside, 
pointing  obliquely  downward.  (Dakota  I.) 

Drink,  drinking* 

The  hand  is  partially  clenched,  so  as  to  have  something  of  a  cup  shape 
and  the  opening  between  the  thumb  and  finger  is  raised  to  the  mouth 
as  in  the  act  of  drinking.  (Long.) 

Scoop  up  with  the  hand  imaginary  water  into  the  mouth.     (Burton.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked,  thumb  side  of  hand  inward  and 
brought  to  mouth  in  upward  curve,  then  suddenly  curved  outward  and 
downward  several  inches.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Do  the  hand  in  the  shape  of  a  cup.     (Macgotcan.) 

With  the  right  held  in  front  of  the  body,  make  with  the  thumb  and 
fingers  a  circle  resembling  a  cup,  thumb  and  forefinger  forming  the  top 
or  rim,  and  then  carry  to  the  mouth,  hand  horizontal,  back  outward. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Drinking  from  a  cup  or  glass." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  the  hand,  in  type-position  (Y  1),  modi 
fied  by  collecting  the  fingers  and  letting  the  thumb  rest  against  palms 
of  the  index  and  middle  fingers,  is  then  brought  to  and  from  the  mouth 
several  times  successively.  The  right  or  left  hand  may  be  used.  The 
motion  resembles  much  an  upward  rotary  movement  of  a  spoon  from  a 


100 

dish,  the  hand  being  quite  hollowed  in  the  center  to  resemble  a  cup- 
shaped  vessel  in  which  water  must  be  taken.  (Oto  and  Missouri  1.) 
"To  take  up  iu  a  hollow  vessel  to  the  mouth." 

Collect  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  bring  it  to  the 
nouth,  palm  first.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

The  right  hand  with  tips  of  fingers  and  thumb  brought  nearly  to  a 
point  is  brought  to  the  mouth  once  or  twice,  as  if  drinking  from  a  cup. 
(Apache  I.) 

Hiiiul  halt'  closed,  supinated,  and  an  up-and-down  motion  in  front  ot 
the  mouth.  (Zuni  I.) 

Italian  sign.— Is  imitated  with  the  fist.     (Butler.) 

Drowned. 

First  make  the  sign  for  River,  then  make  the  sign  for  Gone  un 
der;  should  the  person  not  be  rescued  make  the  sign  for  Head. 
death ;  should  he  be  rescued,  however,  make  the  sign  for  Drawing1 

out,  and  if,  after  getting  the  body  out,  resuscitation  should  occur,  the 
sign  for  Life,  living,  should  be  made  to  indicate  that  he  has  been 
raised  (up)  to  life  again.  (Dakota  I.)  "This  is  a  graphic  picture." 

Drum. 

Make  the  sign  for  Kettle,  with  hands  further  apart,  and  omit  the 
part  indicating  placing  on  the  fire;  then  hold  the  left  hand  stationary 
and  raise,  the  right  hand  upward  (Fist  It.  except  back  upward  and  in 
ward);  strike  down  with  it  to  near  the  left  hand,  and  repeat  several 
times  as  though  striking  the  head  of  a  drum.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  beat 
ing  the  drum." 

Duck. 

The  sign  for  Turkey,  then  the  sign  of  Water,  and  lastly  the  sign 
of  Sit  miming.  (Dunbar.) 

Earth.    Ground;  Land. 

The  two  hands,  open  and  extended,  brought  horizontally  near  each 
other  opposite  to  either  knee,  then  carried  to  the  opposite  side  and 
raised  in  a  curve  movement  until  brought  round  and  opposite  to  the 
face.  ( Dunbar.) 

Right  hand  elevated  to  level  of  face,  flattened,  palm  upward,  thumb 
pointing  forward,  little  finger  pointing  to  left  at  right  angle  to  thumb; 
hand  moved  horizontally  forward  and  outward  to  represent  extended 
surface.  Sometimes  both  hands  employed,  left  hand  flat,  palm  upward, 
fingers  pointing  to  the  right.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


101 

First  point  toward  the  ground  with  the  right  index,  and  then  bring 
both  hands  together  in  front  of  the  chin,  fingers  extended,  pointing  to 
ward  the  front,  palms  down,  flat  horizontal  ( W),  and  carry  to  the  right 
and  left  with  a  curved  motion,  arms  nearly  extended.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
entire  earth,  without  end." 

Eyes  cast  vaguely  about,  the  right  arm  is  flexed  to  the  front  of  the 
body,  the  hand  in  type-position  (P  1)  modified  by  being  inverted  hori 
zontal  with  palm  downward.  The  hand  is  not  held  rigidly ;  it  is  then 
moved  forward  and  downward,  and  the  palm  point  of  the  right  middle 
finger  is  made  to  touch  the  ground.  The  whole  arm  is  then  raised  and 
the  hand  in  type-position  (W)  describes  a  circle  before  the  body.  (Oto 
and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  spherical  object  touched  ;  beneath  me." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  at  it  and  then  move  the  open  hand 
horizontally,  meaning  how  extensive  the  land  is.  (Cross.) 

As  soil. 

Bight  index  points  toward  the  ground  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the 
body.  (Dakota  \.)  "  Designating  the  ground." 

East.    (Compare  Day,  morning.) 

Point  to  the  east;  i.  e.,  point  of  sunrise.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  to  represent  half  of  the  sun's  disk 
and  pointed  or  extended  to  the  left,  then  slightly  elevated.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Simply  point  toward  the  east  with  the  extended  right  index.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "Direction." 

Eat,  eating*;   I  have  eaten. 

The  fingers  and  thumb  are  brought  together  in  opposition  to  each 
other,  into  something  of  a  wedge  shape,  and  passed  to  and  from  the 
mouth  four  or  five  times,  within  the  distance  of  three  or  four  inches  of 
it,  to  imitate  the  action  of  food  passing  to  the  mouth.  (Long.) 

Imitate  the  action  of  conveying  food  with  the  fingers  to  the  mouth. 
(Burton.) 

Bringing  the  fist  to  the  mouth.     (Macgoican.) 

Join  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and  thumbs,  and  move  them  back  and 
forth  towards  the  mouth.  Cheyenne  sign.  (Keport  of  Lieut.  J.  W.  Abert, 
loc.  cit.,  p.  431.) 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  right  hand  placed  together  as  if  grasping  a 
morsel,  brought  suddenly  upward  to  level  of  mouth  and  moved  toward 
it  and  downward  in  the  direction  of  the  throat  to  suggest  the  act  of 
cramming.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


102 

Eight  hand  scoop-fashion,  back  of  hand  outward  at  the  front  of  body, 
height  of  abdomen,  is  carried  to  the  mouth  as  though  conveying  food, 
and  repeated  several  times.  (Dakota  1.)  -'From  the  movements  of 
the  hands  in  eating." 

I  have  eaten. 

After  making  the  above  sign  the  extended  thumb  and  forefinger  of 
the  right  hand  (other  fingers  closed)  is  passed,  back  of  hand  outward, 
horizontal,  &c.,  from  the  stomach  upward  in  front  of  body  and  month 
and  above  the  latter.  (Dakota  I.)  "I  am  full." 

Close  the  hand,  allowing  the  forefinger  extended,  then  move  it  up 
ami  down  before  the  face  several  times  toward  and  from  the  mouth,  as 
if  ramming  food  into  the  mouth  with  the  finger.  (Dakota  V.) 

Bring  the  thumb,  index,  and  second  finger  to  a  point,  and  make  re 
peated  motions  downward  before  the  face  toward  the  mouth.  (Dakota 
VII.) 

The  hands,  with  arms  flexed  at  elbow,  and  fingers,  as  in  type  (E  1), 
modified  by  hand  being  held  horizontal,  palm  up,  are  brought  alter 
nately  to  the  mouth  and  back,  as  it  were,  to  the  table  or  dish,  as  motion 
of  Chinese  eating  rice.  (Oto  I.)  "  To  fill  up  in  parts." 

Collect  the  thumb,  index  and  second  fingers  to  a  point,  hold  them 
above  and  in  front  of  the  mouth,  and  make  a  repeated  dotting  motion 
toward  the  mouth.  (Kaiotcal;  Comanche  III -,  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  thumb  across  the  palmar  surface  of  the  partly  extended 
fingers  of  the  right  hand,  then  bring  the  tips  of  the  fingers  to  the  mouth 
quickly  several  times.  (Pai-Utel.) 

Extend  the  index  (or  index  and  second  finger)  of  the  right  hand,  hold 
it  in  front  of  and  a  little  higher  than  the  mouth,  palm  towards  the  neck, 
then  make  repeated  thrusts  toward  the  mouth  with  the  finger.  (Ute  I.) 
"  Indicates  the  direction  in  which  food  goes." 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  extended  but  slightly  curved; 
place  the  hand  in  front  of  and  a  little  above  the  mouth,  making  a  quick 
motion  of  pointing  to  and  back  from  the  mouth  several  times,  as  if  ram 
ming  down  anything.  (Apache  I.) 

Italian  xign. — Is  imitated  with  the  open  hand      (Butler.} 

Something  to  car. 

Join  the  ends  of  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  place  them 
upright  six  or  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  mouth,  backs  forward;  bend 
the  hand  at  the  wrist  and  turn  the  ends  of  the  fingers  and  move  them 


103 

toward  the  mouth  and  then  downward  to  the  upper  part  of  the  sternum 
(breastbone).  (Dakota  IV.)  "Putting  food  into  the  mouth  and  swal 
lowing  it." 


The  right  hand  held  up  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  extended  and  ap 
proaching  each  other  as  if  holding  an  egg  within.  (Dunbar.} 

With  the  finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  suggest  the  outline  of 
an  egg.  The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  are  also  sometimes 
shaped  in  the  same  manner,  and  placed  over  the  points  of  the  right  as 
they  assume  the  position  described.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Elk  (Cervus  canadensis). 

Stretch  the  arms  high  and  alongside  of  the  head.  (Wied.)  This 
sign  is  still  in  use.  (Matthews.}  In  the  Oto  sign  both  arms  are  elevated 
and  the  hands  opened,  but  fingers  approximated,  are  then  placed  aside 
the  head.  The  hands  are  in  type  position  (T),  palms  outward  ;  the 
ball  of  the  thumb  rests  against  parietal  ridge.  Though  there  is  an 
evident  incompleteness  in  WiecPs  description,  a  marked  identity  in 
position  of  the  arms  and  the  probable  conception  is  observable.  The 
sign  is  completed  by  the  right  index  marking  on  the  extended  left  index 
the  animals  short  tail.  (Boteler.) 

Is  signified  by  simultaneously  raising  both  hands  with  the  fingers  ex 
tended  on  both  sides  of  the  head  to  imitate  palmated  horns.  (Burton.) 

All  or  most  of  the  fingers  of  both  hands  held  together  and  brought  to 
the  sides  of  the  head  to  represent  the  palmated  horns  of  an  elk. 

(Cheyenne  I.) 

The  same  as  Deer,  except  that  after  the  first  position  both  hands 
with  fingers  spread  are  carried  upwards  and  outwards  to  imitate  the 
branching  horns  of  the  animal.  (Dakota  II.) 

Extend  and  widely  separate  the  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands, 
place  them  upright,  palms  inward,  just  above  and  in  front  of  the  ears, 
and  shake  them  back  and  forth  three  or  four  times.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  The  elk's  antlers. 

The  arms  are  elevated  and  the  hands  placed  aside  of  the  head  with 
the  fingers  extended  but  approximated  as  in  position  (W  1)  —  more  erect. 
The  extended  right  index-finger  marks  off  on  the  extended  left  index 
the  length  of  the  tail.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  short  tail  and 
broad  horns  of  the  animal." 

Place  both  flat  hands  with  fingers  and  thumbs  spread  upward  and 
outward  from  either  side  of  the  head  at  arm's  length.  (  Ute  I.) 


Embroidery. 

Same  as  that  part  of  the  sign  for  Beads  where  the  hands  are  in 
front  of  the  body,  left  stationary,  and  the  right  holding  the  sinew  moved 
to  and  over  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  embroidering  with  beads." 

End.    See  Done. 

Enemy. 

With  the  right  fore  and  middle  lingers  spread,  pointing  toward  the 
left,  and  hacks  forward,  throw  the  hand  about  a  foot  forward  and  out- 
\viird  t\\o  or  Him-  times  from  near  the  face  ("I  don't  want  to  see  him"); 
touch  the  chest  over  the  heart  and  afterward  make  the  sign  for  Bad 
("my  heart  is  bad");  then,  from  just  in  front  of  the  right  eye,  its  palm 
forward,  push  the  upright  fist  forward  six  inches  and  a  little  toward  the 
Iff i.  at  the  same  time  turning  the  palm  backward  ("I  am  angry").  ./)«- 
koto  IV.) 

Tin-  ftalitin  *i</n  for  enmity.— Opposition  in  the  ends  of  the  middle 
tingers  touching  each  other,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  fingers  clinched. 
(Butler.} 

Enough,  a  belly  lull.    (Compare  Glad  and  Full.) 

The  sign  for  Eating:  is  first  made,  then  the  thumb  and  forefinger 
are  opposed  to  each  other  so  as  to  form  a  semicircular  curve,  which  is 
elevated  along  the  body  from  the  belly  to  the  neck,  in  order  to  indicate 
that  the  interior  is  filled  with  food  up  to  that  part.  (Burton.) 

First  make  sign  for  Eating,  then  stretch  the  forefingers  and  thumbs 
apart,  as  if  to  span  something;  then  place  the  hand  near  the  stomach, 
and  move  it  up  along  the  body  until  the  muscle  connecting  the  thumb 
and  forefinger  rests  in  the  mouth.  Cheyenne  sign.  (Report  of  J.  W. 
Abert,  loc.  cit,  p.  431.) 

Kight  hand  brought  to  front  of  body,  forefinger  pointing  to  and  rest 
ing  against  stomach  and  gently  drawn  along  upward  to  the  throat  and 
continued  upward  and  outward.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  Sioux  Indians  express  Enough  by  End,  Done.  (Dakotal.) 
"I  am  done;  have  had  enough." 

Make  the  sign  Desire,  then  the  sign  for  Ufo.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign*. — Move  the  hand  (palm  upward)  in  a  gentle 
curve  downward,  with  a  suitable  expression  of  countenance.  (Ballard.) 

Bend  your  head  a  little  forward  and  move  the  hand  (held  horizon 
tally)  upward  on  the  throat.  (Cross.) 

Move  the  forefinger  across  the  front  of  the  neck  from  side  to  side,  so 
as  to  indicate  that  the  throat  is  full.  (Hasenstab.) 


105 

Move  to  and  fro  the  outstretched  hand  over  the  other  hand.    (Larson.) 
Entering-  a  lion  we  or  lodge.    See  Lodge. 
Equal.    See  Same. 
Exchange.    See  Trade. 

Excited ;  excitement. 

Same  sign  as  for  Coward,  Fear.  The  heart  being  the  primary 
seat  of  the  emotions  from  the  standpoint  of  the  Indian,  he  acknowledges 
no  such  thing  as  excitement  of  mind,  therefore  this  word  is  included  in 
fear,  for  every  Indian  who  allows  his  heart  to  flutter  is  considered  by  his 
people  a  coward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  fear,  coward." 

Eye. 

Simply  touch  the  eye  with  the  right  index.     (Dakota  I.) 

Face. 

The  hand  is  passed  downward  in  front  of  the  face,  once  only,  from 
forehead  to  chin  or  a  little  below  the  chin.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Fail,  to. 

Left  hand  stationary,  horizontal,  fingers  nearly  closed,  back  of  hand 
outward  about  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  the  right  index 
(others  closed)  is  brought  upward  close  in  front  of  the  body  10  the  breast 
and  then  carried  out  to  the  left  hand  with  slight  up  and  down  jerking 
motions,  finger  upright,  back  of  hand  inward,  and  then  draw  the  right 
hand  back  directly  to  the  breast,  and  make  the  sign  for  Ufo.  (Dakota 
I.)  "He  did  it  not.  He  did  not  come;  did  not  keep  his  appointment." 

Failure. 

Hold  the  left  hand  edgewise  before  the  breast,  pointing  forward,  then 
bring  the  extended  index,  pointing,  toward  the  left  palm;  touch  it,  and 
throw  the  index  in  a  short  curve  over   and   downward  on  its  back, 
resembling  the  sign  for  Dead.     (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II 
Wichita  II.)     "Interrupted  in  progress;  defeated  efforts." 

Fall,  to. 

Left  hand  extended  to  the  front,  palm  down,  then  bring  tips  of  all  the 
fingers  together,  open  and  shut,  as  if  letting  something  fall.  (Omaha  I.)  - 

Fall,  first  (of  the  leaves). 

Raise  the  left  hand  above  the  head,  forefinger  extended,  move  right 
and  left  with  a  waning  and  trembling  motion.  (Omaha  1.) 

False.    See  .Lie. 

Far,  a  long  way  off.    See  Distance,  far. 

14 


106 


Blacken  face,  neck,  and  hands.  In  camp  sit  cross-legged,  eyes  beiit 
on  the  earth;  fold  hands  in  front,  palms  up,  remaining  motionless,  fre 
quently  uttering  in  a  low  voice,  progress  (!).  When  standing  perfectly 
erect  and  motionless.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Fat. 

Raise  the  left  arm  with  fist  closed,  back  outward,  grasp  the  arm  with 
the  right  hand  and  rub  downward  thereon.  (  Wied.) 

(1)  Both  hands,  loosely  closed,  brought  near  to  and  on  a  level  with 
the  shoulders;  (2)  pushed  a  few  inches  straight  forward  and  slightly 
upward.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "Probably  lumps  of  fat  taken  from  a  large  or 
broad  animal." 

Both  fists  clinched,  placed  before  the  breast,  thumbs  touching  and 
palms  downward  ;  then  draw  them  outward  and  downward,  forming  the 
upper  half  of  a  circle.  (AbsaroM  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banalc  I.) 

Sign  for  Jlaii.  and  then  the  sign  for  Big  made  in  front  of  the  abdo 
men.  (Dahttal.)  "Big  in  body." 

Hold  the  opened  left  hand  obliquely  upward  toward  the  right,  a  foot  in 
front  of  the  breast,  palm  upward,  backward,  and  to  the  right;  grasp  the 
ulnar  side  of  the  hand  between  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand, 
the  thumb  on  the  palm,  and  rub  it  lightly  from  the  base  of  the  fingers  to 
the  wrist  several  times.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Thick,  and  therefore  fat." 

Both  arms  are  flexed  inward  and  both  hands  brought  before  the 
body,  divergent  and  extended  fingers  drooped.  The  hands  are  much  in 
the  position  (<|)  on  type  plates.  In  this  position  the  hands  describe  a 
semicircle  over  the  abdomen,  and  are  carried  over  the  limbs  severally. 
If  the  sign  is  applied  to  any  other  object  than  man,  the  sign  correspond 
ing  to  said  object  is  first  made.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Of  increased 
dimensions  or  that  which  increases  one's  size." 

Father.    See  Relationship. 

Fear,  cowardice;  coward. 

The  two  hands  with  the  fingers  turned  inward  opposite  to  the  lower 
ribs,  then  brought  upward  with  a  tremulous  movement  as  if  to  repre 
sent  the  common  idea  of  the  heart  rising  up  to  the  throat.  (Dunbar.) 

The  head  stooped  down  and  the  arm  thrown  up  to  protect  it;  a  quick 
motion.  (Long.) 

Point  forward]  with  the  index,  followed  by  the  remaining  fingers;  each 
time  that  is  done  draw  back  the  index.  (  Wied.)  Impossible  to  keep  the 
coward  to  the  front. 


107 
.  / 

(1)  Fingers  and  thumb  of  right  hand,  which  droops  downward,  closed 
to  a  point  to  represent  a  heart;  (2)  violently  and  repeatedly  beaten 
against  the  left  breast  just  over  the  heart  to  imitate  palpitation.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

May  be  signified  by  making  the  sign  for  a  Squaw,  if  the  one  in  fear 
be  a  man  or  boy.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Crook  the  index,  close  the  other  fingers,  and,  with  its  back  upward, 
draw  the  right  hand  backward  about  a  foot,  from  eighteen  inches  in 
front  of  the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Drawing  back." 

Make  the  sign  for  Brave,  then  throw  the  right  hand,  open  and  flat, 
outward  toward  the  right.  (AbsaroJca  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banalc  I.)  "  Not 
brave." 

Eight  hand  (Q)  in  front  of  left  breast,  back  outward,  and  carried  for 
ward  for  about  six  inches  with  a  tremulous  motion  of  the  fingers. 
Many  of  the  Sioux,  however,  do  not  move  the  hand  from  the  breast. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Excitement;  fluttering  of  the  heart." 

Cross  the  arms  over  the  breast,  fists  closed ;  bow  the  head  over  the 
crossed  arms,  but  turn  it  a  little  to  the  left.  (Omaha  I.) 

Strike  the  right  side  of  the  breast  gently  with  the  palmar  side  of  the 
right  fist;  then  throw  the  hand  downward  and  outward  toward  the 
right,  suddenly  snapping  the  fingers  from  the  ball  of  the  thumb,  where 
they  had  been  resting,  as  if  sprinkling  water.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Represented  by  shuddering  with  the  shoul 
ders  and  moving  the  body  slightly  backward.  (Bollard.} 

Run  backward.     (Larson.} 

Place  the  forefinger  between  the  upper  and  lower  teeth.     (Zeigler.) 

The  French  deaf-mutes,  besides  beating  the  heart,  add  a  nervous 
backward  shrinking  with  both  hands.  Our  deaf-mutes  omit  the  beating 
of  the  heart,  except  for  excessive  terror. 

Female.    (Compare  Woman.) 

Bring  the  two  hands  open  toward  the  breast,  the  fingers  approaching, 
and  then  move  them  outward.  (Dunbar.) 

Elevate  the  open  right  hand,  pointing  forward,  to  the  level  of  and  to 
the  right  of  the  shoulder;  draw  the  fingers  back,  keeping  them  together 
until  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  rests  against  the  tip  of  the  thumb,  form 
ing  an  almond-shaped  opening  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger. 
(Cheyenne  I.)  "Probably  from  its  resemblance  to  the  appearance  of  the 
external  female  genitals." 


108 

. Applied  to  animals. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Woman.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Designating  sex. 
From  the  flowing  hair  of  woman." 

Generic. 

Fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands  separated  and  curved  ;  place  the 
hands  over  the  breasts  and  draw  them  forward  a  short  distance.  ( Vte  I.) 

Fence. 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  spread ;  place  those  of  the  right  into 
the  spaces  between  those  of  the  left;  then  indicate  a  zigzag  course  for 
ward  with  the  extended  index.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "  Position  of  rails  in  a 
fence,  and  the  zigzag  course." 

Fig-lit,  fighting.    (Compare  Battle.) 

Make  a  motion  with  both  fists  to  and  fro,  like  a  pugilist  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  who  preferred  a  high  guard.  (Burton.) 

Joining  hands  rapidly.     (Macgoican.) 
Same  sign  as  for  Battle.    (Dakota  I.) 

Both  hands  clinched,  holding  them  palm  to  palm  at  a  distance  of 
about  four  inches  from  one  another;  form  short  vertical  circles,  as  if 
"sawing"  a  hard-mouthed  horse.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Both  hands  closed,  forefingers  elevated  and  extended,  facing  one 
another;  move  palms  toward  and  from  each  other.  (Omaha  I.) 

Close  both  hands,  except  the  index-fingers.  Hold  them  before  the 
breast,  the  index-fingers  upright,  and  move  these  from  side  to  side, 
opposite  each  other,  like  two  antagonists  facing  one  another  and  avoid 
ing  each  other's  blows.  This  movement,  followed  by  that  for  Dead, 
would  express  "  They  fought,  and  one  was  killed."  If  more  than  one, 
hold  up  two  or  more  fingers.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Both  hands  brought  up  nearly  as  high  as  the  face,  about  twelve  inches 
apart,  fingers  pointing  toward  those  of  the  opposite  hand;  the  fingers 
are  then  moved  carelessly  as  the  hands  are  brought  toward  and  from 
one  another.  (  Wyandot  I.) 

Deaf-m  utc  natural  siting. — Act  as  if  you  strike  your  left  open  hand  with 
your  right  clinched  hand,  and  do  the  act  of  striking  several  times  suc 
cessively.  (Hasenstab.) 

Raise  the  fists  as  fighters  begin  to  fight.    (Larson.) 

Indian. 

Extend  both  arms,  hands  clinched  (J);  place  the  tips  of  the  index- 
fingers  together,  and  push  them  first  one  way  and  then  the  other,  still 


109 

keeping  the  tips  of  the  forefingers  together.     Facial  expressions  add 
greatly  to  the  intensity  of  all  signs.     (Comanclie  I.)     "  Wrestling." 

Finished.    See  Done. 

Fire,  burning. 

The  two  hands  brought  near  the  breast,  touching  or  approaching  each 
other,  and  half  shut;  then  moved  outward  moderately  quick,  the  fingers 
being  extended  and  the  hands  a  little  separated  at  the  same  time,  as  if 
to  imitate  the  appearance  of  flame.  (Dunbar.) 

The  act  of  striking  fire  with  the  flint  and  steel  is  represented;  after 
which  the  ascent  of  the  smoke  is  indicated  by  closing  the  fingers  and 
thumb  of  the  right  hand,  holding  them  in  a  vertical  position,  with  the 
hand  as  low  as  convenient;  the  hand  is  then  gradually  elevated,  and 
the  fingers  and  thumb  a  little  expanded  to  show  the  ascent  and  expan 
sion  of  the  volume  of  smoke.  (Long.) 

Hold  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  slightly  opened  and  upward  and 
elevate  the  hand  several  times.  (Wied.)  The  body  is  bent  somewhat 
forward — the  right  index,  middle  finger,  and  thumb  are  then  approxi 
mated  at  their  points  and  hand  is  held,  droopingly,  near  the  ground. 
The  hand  thus  cup -shaped  is  made  to  open  and  close  successively  and 
rise  by  jerks,  like  the  jumping  and  cracking  of  a  flame.  Although  the 
position  of  the  hand  is  reversed  in  WiecCs  sign,  there  is  a  marked  simi 
larity  of  execution  and  conception  in  the  two.  (Boteler.)  The  sign 
may  portray  the  rising  forked  tongues  of  the  flame. 

Blow  it  and  warm  the  hands  before  it.  To  express  the  boiling  ef  a 
kettle,  the  sign  of  Fire  is  made  low  down  and  an  imaginary  pot  is 
eaten  from.  (Burton.) 

* 

Scratching  the  breast.     (Macgowan.) 

Kaise  and  lower  the  hand  alternately,  palm  up,  the  fingers  extended 
upward  and  moving  in  imitation  of  tongues  of  flame.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  forearm  in  vertical  position,  and  hand  slowly  elevated,  the 
fingers  and  thumb  pointing  upward,  being  meanwhile  opened  and  closed 
two  or  three  times.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Eight  hand  (P)  extended  in  front  to  the  ground,  fingers  pointing 
upward,  raise  the  hand  slowly,  with  a  tremulous  motion,  not  more  than  a 
foot  from  the  ground  to  denote  a  small  fire,  such  as  Indians  build  in 
their  lodges.  For  a  larger  fire  raise  the  hand  higher  with  the  tremulous 
motion.  Of  course  the  body  will  have  to  be  inclined  forward  in  making 
this  sign.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  flame  and  smoke  of  a  fire." 


110 

liaise  tin-  right  band  several  times  from  near  the  ground,  its  back 
forward,  fingers  pointing  upward  and  a  little  bent  and  separated. 
(Dakota  IV.)  u  Flames  shooting  upward." 

Tbe  baud  is  brongbt  near  tbe  ground  in  band  type  («),  the  body  at 
tin-  same  time  inclined  forward.  The  fingers  and  thumb  are  then  suc 
cessively  opened  and  closed  as  the  band  is  elevated  by  jerks,  as  it  were. 
(Oto  I.)  "Jumping  and  crackling  of  a  flame." 

Right  hand,  palm  toward  ami  a  short  distance  before  the  waist,  fin 
gers  extended  upward  and  separated,  moved  upward  about  eight  or  ten 
inches  several  times.  ( Ute  I.)  "Tongues  of  fire,  flame." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign*.— Blow  through  the  mouth,  and  move  the  hand 
up  and  down  rapidly.  (Ballard,) 

Oj>en  both  hands  freely,  move  them  up  fast  and  down  slowly  several 
times,  and  at  the  same  time  keep  the  mouth,  half  open,  blowing.  (Hasen- 
*«•*.) 

Move  the  fingers  of  both  bands  together  upward  with  a  little  blow 
sent  from  the  month.  (Larson.) 

—  To  light  a. 

Hold  tbe  left  hand  before  the  body,  palm  down  and  arched,  collect 
the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  baud  to  a  point  and  pass  them 
quickly  along  the  thumb  of  the  left  from  the  basal  joint  toward  tbe  tip ; 
thru  place  tho  right  baud  quickly  under  the  arched  left  for  a  moment ; 
then  suddenly  closing  both  hands,  side  by  side,  move  them  upward  a 
few  inches,  quickly  extending  the  fingers  and  thumbs  in  so  doing;  palms 
forward.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Striking  a  match,  kindling  tbe  brush,  and  smoke." 

Hold  l)0tb  hands  before  the  body,  straight,  fingers  curved  sufficient 
for  the  tips  to  be  directed  toward  their  respective  hands ;  strike  from 
above  downward  with  the  right,  so  that  the  finger-nails  strike  those  of 
tbe  left  in  passing.  (Apache  I.)  "From  the  old  method  of  obtaining 
tire  with  flint." 

To  make  a. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Fire ;  then  bold  tbe  arched  left  hand  close 
to  the  ground  with  the  palm  downward,  placing  the  right,  fingers  and 
t Inimb  directed  to  a  point,  underneath  tbe  left.  (Apache  I.)  "  Kindling 
grass  or  other  combustibles." 

Fi»h. 

Hold  the  upper  edge  of  the  hand  horizontally,  and  agitate  it  in  the 
manner  of  a  fan  but  more  rapidly,  in  imitation  of  tbe  motion  of  the  tail 
of  the  fish.  (Long.} 


Ill 

Make  the  sign  for  River,  Lake,  or  Pond,  and  then  with  the 
right  index  in  front  of  the  body  move  in  imitation  of  a  swimming  fish. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  manner  of  swimming." 

The  extended  right  hand,  thumb  upward,  fingers  pointing  forward,  is 
held  near  the  body,  in  front  and  to  the  right  of  the  median  line  j  it  is 
then  moved  rather  gently  forward  with  a  laterally  waving  motion,  so  as 
to  represent  the  movements  of  a  fish.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Flame.    See  Fire. 

Flat.     (Compare  Big1  in  the  sense  of  Flat.) 

Bring  both  hands  together  in  front  of  the  breast,  fingers  extended 
and  pointing  outward,  forward,  palms  upward  (X),  flat,  and  carry  the 
arms  out  to  the  sides  of  the  body  as  far  as  they  can  be  extended  and  as 
nearly  on  the  same  level  as  possible.  (Dakota  I.)  "A  level  or  flat 
piece  of  ground." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Move  one  hand  horizontally  over  the  other. 
(Ballard.) 

Flour. 

Pantomimic. — Simulate  kneading  dough.     (Arapaho  I.) 

With  the  right  hand  (Q)  in  front  of  body  as  though  holding  flour  or 
any  pulverized  substance  and  sprinkling  or  sifting  it  through  the  thumb 
and  forefinger.  (Dakota  I.)  "  A  fine  substance." 

The  arms  are  extended  in  front  of  the  body,  parallel  with  the  hands 
in  positions  (S,  S),  modified  by  being  held  horizontal.  The  palms  are 
then  approximated  as  in  slapping  together,  and  opened  several  times 
successively.  Finally  the  hands  are  made  to  turn  over,  the  palms 
loosely  in  contact,  in  a  tumbling  manner,  the  right  and  left  alternately 
on  top.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  sign  represents  the  Indian's  mode 
of  flattening  the  dough  for  cakes." 

Fly,  To  (as  a  bird). 

Imitate  with  crooked  elbows  the  motion  of  wing  during  flight.  (Ara 
paho  I.) 

Bring  the  hands  slightly  in  front  of  their  respective  sides  of  the  head 
(hands  as  in  T),  and,  by  bending  the  wrists,  make  the  forward  and 
backward  movements  as  nearly  as  possible  in  imitation  of  the  move 
ments  of  a  bird's  wings  in  flying.  (Dakota  I.) 

Fool,  Foolish. 

The  finger  is  pointed  to  the  forehead,  and  the  hand  is  then  held  verti 
cally  above  the  head  and  rotated  on  the  wrist  two  or  three  times.  (Long.} 
Battle-brained. 


112 

Place  the  hand  in  front  of  the  head,  back  outward,  then  turn  it  round 
in  a  circle  several  times.  (Wied.)  Still  used.  Also  for  Crazy,  I 
think.  (Matthews.) 

Sign  for  Ulan  ;  right  hand  extended  downward,  palm  outward,  fin- 
g«M  OWdOMd  and  shaken.  When  referring  to  a  particular  person  the 
nnger  of  the  right  hand  is  pointed  at  him,  eyes  resting  on  him  critically? 
brows  raised  and  contracted  as  in  pity  and  aversion.  (Cheyenne  I.) 
The  shaking  of  the  opened  fingers  gives  the  idea  of  "  looseness  "  with 
out  reference  to  the  head. 

P. ring  the  right  hand  to  the  medial  line  of  the  forehead  (R),  fingers 
but  slightly  separated,  where  it  is  rotated  several  times  two  or  three 
inches  in  front.  (Dakota  I.)  "Rattle-brained." 

Move  the  oi>ened  right  hand  through  a  small  circle  two  or  three  times 
in  front  of  the  forehead,  the  palm  toward  the  left,  fingers  separated  a 
little  and  poiming  upward.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Head  turned." 

Kotate  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
hand  upward  and  toward  the  left  before  the  forehead.  (Dakota  VI; 
Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

French  deaf-mutes  shake  the  hands  above  the  head  after  touching  it 
with  the  index. 
He  is  the  greatest  fool  of  all. 

Sway  the  hand  (W  1),  palm  downward  "over  all,"  then  point  to  the 
person  (fig.  1),  then  place  end  of  fingers  on  forehead  (H  1),  and  then 
swing  hand  around  in  circle  in  front  of  forehead,  hand  and  fingers  up 
right,. joined,  and  palm  oblique  to  face  (T  1,  palm  oblique),  and  lastly 
make  the  sign  Bad.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Of  all,  his  brain  whirls  worst." 

Your  words  are  foolish. 

After  pointing  to  person  addressed  and  making  sign  for  words  (as 
in  G),  the  hand  is  moved  to  a  point  in  front,  but  little  to  right,  of 
forehead,  fingers  all  naturally  relaxed,  pointing  upward,  palm  quarter 
ing  to  face  (Y  1,  changed  to  vertical  position),  then  swung  around  in 
snuill  circle  several  times,  then  dropped  to  a  point  in  front  of  body  and 
thrown  vigorously  downward  to  side  and  rear.  At  beginning  of  this 
last  motion  the  fingers  are  hooked,  second  resting  against  thumb,  palm 
downward  (€w  1),  but  during  backward  movement  the  fingers  are  grad 
ually  thrown  open,  palm  outward  (R  1,  fingers  pointing  obliquely  down 
ward).  Sign  Bad  (C).  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Words  from  whirling  brain — 
bad." 

Forest. 

Slightly  spread  and  raise  the  ten  fingers,  bringing  the  hands  together 
in  front  of  the  face;  theu  separate  them.  (Wied.)  The  numerous  trees 
and  their  branches  may  be  indicated,  for  a  time  obscuring  the  vision. 


113 

Spread  tlie  fingers  of  the  right  hand  slightly ;  raise  the  hand  on  a  level 
with  the  face,  and  while  moving  it  from  side  it  is  gently  thrust  up  and 
down.  (Dakota  V.)  "The  fingers  represent  the  appearance  of  the 
trunks  of  the  trees  visible  along  the  edge  of  the  forest." 

Raise  the  hand  vertically,  palm  up,  fingers  partially  closed  and  ex 
tended  upward,  in  a  manner  indicative  of  the  growth  of  trees.  (Ara- 
paho  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Tree,  and  then  the  sign  for  JHany.  (Dakota  I.) 
1  Many  trees." 

Make  the  signs  for  Ax  and  Trees.  (Dakota  VI;  Hidatsa  I;  Ari- 
kara  I.)  "  Timber  that  is  fit  for  cutting  with  an  ax." 

Make  the  sign  for  Tree  several  times,  then  throw  the  back  of  the 
upright  and  flat  right  hand  toward  the  right,  front,  and  left.  (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanclie  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  " Trees,  trunks  close "  (rep 
resented  by  joined  fingers),  "  all  around." 

Forget,  forgotten. 

Hands  outspread,  opened,  palms  downward ;  crossed  as  in  sign  for 
Night  or  darkness  at  a  level  of  and  angle  with  the  elbows,  left 
hand  being  over  the  right.  (Cheyenne  I.)  Darkness  in  the  memory. 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Put  the  hand  on  the  forehead  and  draw  it 
away.  (Ballard.) 

Have  the  head  up  suddenly,  and  open  the  mouth  a  little  at  the  same 
time,  and  then  nod,  and  the  upper  teeth  rest  on  the  lower  lip.  (Hasen- 
stab.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  forehead  and  then  strike  the  lap  with  the 
shut  hand.  (Zeigler.) 

Fort. 

On  level  of  the  breasts  in  front  of  body,  both  hands  with  fingers  turned 
inward,  straight,  backs  joined,  backs  of  hands  outward,  horizontal,  turn 
outward  the  hands  until  the  fingers  are  free,  curve  them,  and  bring  the 
wrists  together  so  as  to  describe  a  circle  with  a  space  left  between  the 
ends  of  the  curved  fingers.  (Dakota  I.)  "  A  circularly  fortified  place." 

Found,  discovered.    (Compare  See.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  See,  to,  and  then  carry  the  right  hand  (Q) 
in  front  of  body  toward  the  ground  and  back  to  body,  as  though  having 
picked  something  up.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Seeing  and  picking  up  anything." 

Bring  the  left  hand  opposite  the  breast  a  foot  or  so  away,  fingers 
closed  and  slightly  bent,  palm  downward  as  if  it  were  concealing  soine- 
15 


114 

thing-  bring  the  right  hand  over  it,  hand  in  the  position  of  being  just 
ready 'to  pick  something  up  with  the  fingers  ;  then  pass  the  right  hand 
over  the  left,  the  latter  remaining  still,  and  bring  the  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  together  as  if  you  had  picked  up  something.  (Comanche  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.— Touch  the  eyelid,  then  bend  your  body,  and, 
having  pointed  at  the  ground  with  your  hand,  clinch  it  and  bring  it  up 
and  disclose  it  to  the  eye.  (Cross.) 

Lower  the  open  hand  toward  the  ground,  and  then  raise  it  shut  up  as 
if  to  indicate  that  something  is  picked  up.  (Easemtab.) 

F«wl.    See  Bird. 

Fraction. 

Indicate  with  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  the  equivalent  length  of 
the  left  forefinger.  (Arapuho  I.) 

Freezing.    (Compare  Frost.)       * 

Make  a  closing  movement,  as  if  of  the  darkness,  by  bringing  together 
both  hands  with  the  dorsa  upward  and  the  fingers  to  the  fore  j  tne 
motion  is  from  right  to  left,  and  at  the  end  the  two  indices  are  alongside 
and  close  to  each  other.  (Burton.) 

No  sign  separate  from  Cold,  It  is;  Ice;  or  Frost,  which  denote 
ditVerent  degrees  of  cold.  (Dakota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.— Shudder  from  head  to  foot;  then  set  in  mo 
tion  your  feet  after  the  manner  of  skating,  and  then  move  the  hand 
about  horizontally.  (Cross.) 

Raise  the  arms  toward  the  breast  and  shake  the  fists,  and  then  move 
the  outstretched  hands  in  a  horizontal  line.  (Larson.) 

Friend.     (Compare  Salutation.) 

(1)  Tips  of  the  two  first  fingers  of  the  right  hand  placed  against  or  at 
right  angles  to  the  mouth ;  (2)  suddenly  elevated  upward  and  outward 
to  imitate  smoke  expelled.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "We  two  smoke  together." 

Hold  the  extended  left  hand  before  *;he  body,  and  grasp  it  with  the 
right.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapool.) 

Point  forward  and  a  little  upward  with  the  joined  and  extended  fore 
and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  which  is  to  be  placed  a  foot  or  so 
in  front  of  the  right  breast,  the  little  and  ring  fingers  closed,  thumb  on 
middle  joint  of  ring  finger ;  move  the  hand  upward  to  the  right  side  of  the 
face,  then  straight  forward  about  eight  inches,  and  then  a  little  upward. 
Or  hook  the  bent  right  index,  palm  downward,  over  the  bent  left  index, 
palm  upward,  the  hands  to  be  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  body.  This 
last  they  call  a  Mexican  sign.  (Dakota  IV.) 


115 
/ 

Extend  the  right  hand  as  if  reaching  to  shake  hands.  (Hidatsa-1] 
Arikara  I.) 

The  left  and  right  hands  are  brought  to  the  center  of  chest  open,  then 
extended,  and  the  left  hand,  with  palm  up,  is  grasped  crosswise  by  right 
hand  with  palm  down,  and  held  thus  several  seconds.  The  hands  are 
then  in  double  position  ("IT  1),  right  inverted.  Hands  are  now  un 
clasped,  and  right  fist  is  held  in  left  axilla,  by  which  it  is  firmly  grasped. 
(Oto  I.)  "  One  whom  I  will  not  let  go." 

Bring  both  hands  together  in  a  full  clasp  of  all  the  fingers,  after  the 
ordinary  manner  of  handshaking.  (Comanche  I.) 

Extraordinary. 

Bring  the  two  hands  near  each  other  in  front,  and  clasp  the  two  index- 
fingers  tightly,  so  that  the  tips  of  the  finger  and  thumb  of  each  touch. 

(Comanche  I.) 

Clasp  the  two  hands  after  the  manner  of  our  congratulations.  ( Wich 
ita  I.) 

Friendly;  friendship. 

Eaise  both  hands,  grasped,  as  if  in  the  act  of  shaking  hands,  or  lock 
the  two  forefingers  together  while  the  hands  are  raised.  This  sign  given 
by  parties  meeting  one  another  to  ascertain  intentions.  For  more  gen 
eral  idea  of  friendship  clasp  the  left  with  the  right.  (Burton.) 

Hands  clasped  in  front  of  body,  palm  of  left  up,  palm  of  right  resting 
in  that  of  left,  hands  shaken  up  or  down  one  or  more  times.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

Pantomimic  grasping  or  shaking  of  the  hand,  or  a  pantomimic  em 
brace.  (Arapaho  I.) 

The  left  hand  held  horizontal,  palm  inward,  fingers  and  thumb  ex 
tended  and  pointing  toward  the  right  about  a  foot  and  a  half  from  and 
in  front  of  breast,  is  clasped  by  the  right,  carried  up  in  front  of  body 
and  out  from  breast,  thumb  and  fingers  pointing  downward  and  drawn 
directly  into  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Grasping  the  hand  of  a  friend." 

Our  deaf-mutes  interlock  the  forefingers  for  "  friendship."  clasp  the 
hands,  right  uppermost,  for  "marriage,"  and  make  the  last  sign,  re 
peated  with  the  left  hand  uppermost,  for  "peace."  The  idea  of  union 
or  linking  is  obvious. 

Frost.     (Compare  Freezing  and  Snow.) 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  Water,  then  with  the  sign  of  Night  or 
Darkness,  then  the  sign  of  Cold,  then  the  sign  of  White,  and, 
lastly,  the  Earth.  (Dunbar.) 


116 

First  make  the  sign  for  Grass,  and  then  the  right  hand  (W)  is 
moved  lus  though  waving  it  over  the  grass.  (Dakota  I.)  "A  covering 
of  the  gr;i>-." 

Fruitless;  in  vain. 

The  left  arm  is  brought  forward,  hand  as  in  (L  1),  modified  by  thumb 
being  closed.  The  right  hand  then  takes  position  (S  1),  modified  by  be 
ing  held  horizontal.  Now  the  left  index,  extended  as  above,  punches 
the  right  palm,  and  is  then  swept  backward  and  downward  by  left  side. 
(Oto  I.) 

Full,  as  a  box  or  sack. 

1  light  and  left  hands  (W,  with  fingers  slightly  bent)  are  brought 
together  in  front  of  body,  ends  of  fingers  pointing  outward,  then  carry 
the  right  hand  quickly  over  the  back  of  the  left,  and  back  as  though 
brushing  oft'  the  surplus.  (Dakota  I.)  "  It  is  full  ;  brushing  off  the  sur 
plus." 

Deaf  mute  natural  .siV/n«.  —  Place  the  hand  down,  and  raising  it,  and 
moving  it  right  and  left  as  if  at  the  top  of  the  sack  or  box.  (Ballard.) 

Clinch  your  hand  in  the  form  of  the  letter  C,  and  over  the  supposed 
convex  snrfiice  above  it  pass  the  other  hand  somewhat  clinched  also. 


The  same  as  Enough.     (Larson.) 

Appetite  satisfied.    (Compare  Enough.) 


Finger  ami  thumb  rising  from  the  mouth.     (Macgowan.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Eat,  and  when  completed  and  hand  brought  before 
abdomen,  as  in  type  (T  1)  modified  by  being  held  horizontal  and  arched 
with  back  outward,  it  then  describes  an  arc  over  abdomen  as  to  indi 
cate  fullness.  (Oto  I.)  "  Filled  up;  distended." 

Make  the  sign  of  Eat,  then  close  the  right  hand,  spreading  the  in 
dex  and  thumb  wide  apart,  palm  toward  the  body,  then  pass  it  from  the 
breast  upward  to  before  the  mouth.  (Dakota  VII;  Kaiowal;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Future,  to  come  (in  time). 

Kight  index  upright  (J,  except  back  of  hand  toward  the  body)  is 
pushed  straight  forward,  outward,  from  the  shoulder  and  drawn  back 
three  or  four  times,  arm  extended  to  its  full  capacity.  Seems  to  be  con 
nected  with  Far.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Far  in  time." 

l*ap;  rarion. 

Indicate  the  walls  thereof  with  the  hands, in  front  of  the  body,  palms 
toward  each  other,  fingers  extended  and  pointed  downward.  (Ara- 
paho  I.) 


117 

Both  hands  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  breast,  separated  about  six 
inches,  fingers  and  thumbs  pointing  upright,  with  the  palms  facing  each 
other  (S,  with  edge  of  hands  outward)  thus  (II);  draw  the  right  hand 
inward  about  a  foot,  turn  it  so  that  the  palm  is  downward,  flat,  fingers 
joined,  pointing  straight  outward,  and  then  push  the  hand  forward  so 
that  it  would  go  through  the  middle  of  the  space  formed  by  the  hands 
in  the  first  position  (  I  ).  Often  made  with  the  fingers  curved.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Sides  of  a  canon  or  ravine  ;  passing  through  a  canon." 

Gelt. 

Bring  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  together  as  if  something- 
was  held  by  them,  and  then  approach  the  right  hand  and  make  the 
motion  of  cutting  across  what  is  supposed  to  be  held  in  the  left  hand, 
and  then  draw  off  the  right  hand  as  if  pulling  away  what  has  been  cut. 
(Dunbar.} 

Geiiero«§. 

Hold  both  hands  open,  the  palms  above  and  held  in  front  of  breasts 
or  body,  then  present  toward  the  other  party  an  open  smiling  coun 
tenance.  (  Ojibica  IV.) 

The  sign  for  Good  Heart  or  Bisr  Heart  is  made.    (Dakota  I.) 


Ghost. 

Sign  for  Dead,  Death,  and  then  the  sign  for  Iff  an.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Dead  man  from  the  spirit  laud." 

Gimlet. 

Index  pointing"  to  the  center  of  the  left  hand  forefinger  (which  indi 
cates  the  handle  or  boring  part).  Then  the  screw  motion  with  the  right 
hand  conveys  the  idea  clearly.  (Zuili  I.) 

Give  me,  or  Bring  to  me. 

The  hand  half  shut  with  the  thumb  pressing  against  the  forefinger, 
being  first  moderately  extended  either  to  the  right  or  left,  is  brought 
with  a  moderate  jerk  to  the  opposite  side,  as  if  something  was  pulled 
along  by  the  hand.  Consequently  the  sign  of  water  preceding  this 
sign  would  convey  the  expression,  "  Give  me  water."  (Dunbar.) 

The  hand  extended  in  a  pointing  position  toward  the  object  in  re 
quest,  then  brought  toward  the  body  with  the  fingers  raised  vertically, 
and  laid  against  the  breast.  (Long.) 

Object  wished  for  pointed  to,  the  right  hand  being  held  as  in  sign  for 
Bring  ;  brought  with  two  or  three  jerky  motions  toward  the  face  or 
breast  of  the  speaker.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the  breast,  palm 
up,  and  make  a  short  oscillating  motion  to  and  fro.  (AbsaroJca  I;  Sho- 
shoni  and  Banak  I.) 


118 

After  placing  the  right  band  about  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
.  and  turning  it  so  that  the  palm  will  be  outward  and  the  little 
i  toward  the  neck,  fingers  overlapping  and  upright,  thumb  in  the 
palm,  move  the  hand  toward  the  neck.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Bring,  to. 

Left  hand  extended  ten  or  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  left  breast 
(P  1,  palm  upward);  right  hand  (P),  extended  in  front  of  right  breast, 
arms  full  extent,  is  moved  over  the  left  as  though  carrying  something  to 
the  left  hand  with  the  right,  (Dakota  I.) 

Bring  to  me. 

Continue  the  sign  for  To  Bring  by  bringing  the  hands  close  to  the 
left  breast.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Bring  and  give  to  me." 

Point  to  or  otherwise  indicate  the  person  directed  and  the  object  or 
article  desired,  and  imply  approach  by  beckoning.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Extend  the  open  hand  and  draw  it  back  as 
if  conveying  something  to  one's  self.  (Ballard.) 

Stretch  out  the  forefinger  and  then  move  it  toward  the  breast.  (Larson.) 
Close  the  hand  and  move  it  to  one's  self.     (Ballard.) 

Give  to  me  or  us. 

The  right  hand  extended  in  front  of  body  (<|)  as  though  taking  hold 
of  anything,  and  then  brought  back  to  body  with  fingers  pointing  up- 
\vard  as  though  holding  the  article  in  it  (P).  (Dakota,  I.)  "  Taking  the 
article  from  the  donor." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Close  the  hand  except  its  forefinger,  with  it 
point  to  something,  and  then  move  it  toward  the  breast.  (Hasenstab.) 

Give  to  him  or  another. 

Reverse  Give  to  me — handing  the  article  to  the  person.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  I  give  it  to  you." 

The  right  arm  is  semi-extended,  also  the  hand  (as  in  type-position  Y 
1,  modified  by  middle,  ring,  and  index  fingers  being  more  collected  or 
closed) ;  arm  and  hand  thus  point  to  object.  Both  are  then  brought 
toward  the  body,  the  index  becoming  more  hooked  as  hand  approaches, 
and  finally  its  end  concludes  the  arc  of  approach  by  touching  center  of 
breast.  (Oto  I.)  "  Evident  in  sign." 

I  will  give. 

-  First  make  the  sign  for  I,  personal  pronoun,  and  then  the  sign  for 
Give,  as  contained  in  Give,  as  Give  to  him.  (Dakota  I.)  "  1 
hand  it  to  you;  I  give  it  to  you." 


119 

Hand  held  in  position  for  "  give  me,"  near  to  the  chin  or  breast,  ex 
tended  quickly  toward  the  person  addressed.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

From  an  upright  position  in  front  of  the  chin,  palm  turned  toward 
the  right  hand ;  throw  the  right  hand  forward  eighteen  inches,  or  until 
the  ends  of  the  fingers  point  obliquely  forward  and  upward.  (Dakota 

IV.) 

Deaf -mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  bosom,  meaning  the  speaker, 
stretch  the  closed  hand  and  then  open  it.  (Bollard.} 

i 

First  point  to  your  breast  with  your  finger,  then  move  forward  the 
hand  clinched,  and  set  free  the  fist.  (Cross.) 

Italian  sign. — The  motion  that  one  is  willing  to  give  something,  and 
which  may  be  called  the  bribing  gesture,  is  to  -put  one  hand  into  the 
money-pocket.  (Butler.} 

Girl.    See  Child.     (Compare  Woman.) 

Glad;  content;   pleased;  satisfied.    (Compare  Good.) 

With  the  raised  right  hand  pass  with  a  serpentine  movement  upward 
from  the  breast  and  face  above  the  head.  ( Wled.}  Heart  beats  high. 
Bosom's  lord  sits  lightly  on  its  throne. 

Ware  the  open  hand  outward  from  the  breast  to  express  "  good  heart." 
(Burton.) 

The  sign  for  Pretty,  not  made  in  immediate  juxtaposition  to  the  face 
or  any  part  of  the  body,  is  significant  generally  of  content,  satisfaction, 
complaisance,  etc.,  expressed  by  the  Indian  phrase  Good,  or  Tt  is  good. 
(Arapaho  I.) 

Strike  the  chest  over  the  heart  lightly  two  or  three  times  with  the 
palm  of  the  right  hand ;  then  make  the  sign  for  good.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  Heart  good." 

The  right  hand,  extended  horizontally,  palm  downward,  is  held  in 
front  of  and  near  or  touching  the  throat,  and  is  then  moved  forward  a 
few  inches.  This  denotes  a  comfortable  feeling  of  fullness  or  satisfac 
tion;  but  to  indicate  the  more  intense  feelings  of  being  cloyed  or  glut 
ted  the  hand  may  be  held  at  the  chin  or  at  the  mouth,  the  sign  being 
otherwise  unchanged.  These  signs  may  be  used  to  denote  satiety  from 
other  causes  besides  eating  and  drinking.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

With  the  right  hand  (S)  tap  the  left  breast  several  times,  and  then 
carry  the  hand  forward  and  toward  the  right,  with  palm  downward  ( W), 
Content,  glad,  good,  happy,  satisfied,  are  all  expressed  by  this  sign. 
(Dakota  I.)  "The  heart  feels  good." 


120 

Make  an  inclination  of  the  body  forward,  moving  at  the  same  time 
both  hands  forward  from  the  breast,  open,  with  the  palm  upward,  and 
gradually  lowering  them.  (Iroquois  I.)  "I  give  you  thanks." 

Extend  both  hands  outward,  palms  turned  down,  and  make  a  sign 
exactly  similar  to  the  way  ladies  smooth  a  bed  in  making  it.  (  Wichita  I.) 
Smooth  and  easy. 


Left  hand  arched,  the  thumb  and  forefinger  meeting  at  their  tips, 
forming  a  circle,  is  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  horizontal  back  of 
hand  upward,  thumb  and  forefinger  toward  the  body;  then  the  right 
index  is  brought  up  close  to  the  body  in  front  and  passed  forward  from 
the  breast,  describing  a  series  of  circles  to  the  center  of  the  circle  formed 
by  the  left  hand,  but  not  placed  within  it.  Daylight  is  included  in  this. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  same  rays  of  light  passing  through  a  pane  of 
glass  into  the  house." 

4.  hit  Ion:   Parasite. 
Italian  xltjn.  —  Pinch  the  cheek  with  the  finger.     (Butler.) 

Go;  £oaway;  depart;   leave  here. 

The  back  of  the  hand  stretched  out  and  upward.    (J)unbar.) 

Like  Come  (  H'/erf),  but  begin  near  the  face  and  extend  the.  hands 
with  a  number  of  gentle  jerks.  (  Wied.)  The  same  remarks  apply  to 
this  sign  as  to  that  for  Come.  (Matthews.)  The  right  arm  is  bent 
and  the  hand  in  position  (B  1)  horizontal  is  brought  to  the  epigastrium 
and  suddenly  arm  and  hand  are  extended.  The  identity  of  the  concep 
tion  of  this  Oto  sign  and  WiecTs  is  evident.  The  movement  of  extension 
in  the  latter  description  "by  jerks'  has  little  relevancy,  and  may  be 
n  asouably  explained  by  the  caprice  of  the  subject.  (Boteler.) 

Move  both  hands  edgeways  (the  palms  fronting  the  breast)  toward 
the  left,  with  a  rocking-horse  motion.  (Burton.) 


hand  held  toward  left  shoulder  forearm  across  the  breast, 
fingers  and  thumb  extended,  palm  upward  and  inward;  brought  with 
elbow  for  a  pivot  suddenly  to  the  right.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  carried  to  the  left  side  of  the  body,  level  of  the 
breast,  horizontal,  palm  outward,  thumb  below  (W  1),  extended  fingers 
pointing  toward  the  left;  carry  the  arm  out  to  full  extent  in  front  of 
body  and  to  the  right.  This  is  emphatic.  "Dismissing  the  person." 
.Many  Indians  make  the  sign  for  CJo,  CJo  au  ay.  by  using  the  index 
Jield  upward,  the  rest  of  the  fingers  being  closed  and  carrying  from  left 
to  right  or  directly  out  in  front  of  body,  but  this  is  not  near  so  emphatic 
as  the  above,  fto,  in  the  sense  of  Gone,  Departed,  would  be  de- 


121 

noted  preferably  by  using  the  latter  sign  and  by  stopping  the  motion  of 
the  hand  several  times  in  carrying  it  out  to  its  final  extended  position,  in 
resemblance  of  the  walking  away  of  the  person.  (Dakota  I.)  "He  has 
walked  away." 

The  opened  right  hand  being  advanced  about  a  foot  and  at  the  height 
of  the  navel,  palm  toward  the  left  fingers  separated  a  little,  hand  bent 
at  the  wrist  and  pointing  downward  and  forward,  move  it  straight 
ahead  about  a  foot,  and  at  the  same  time  raise  the  ends  of  the  fingers 
until  the  hand  is  horizontal.  (Dakota  IV.) 

This  is  indicated  by  a  motion  the  reverse  of  Come,  and  when  the 
sign  is  completed  the  hand  stands  as  in  the  beginning  of  the  former 
gesture.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Place  the  closed  hand,  knuckles  upward,  before  the  breast;  elevate 
the  index  and  pass  the  hand  slowly,  in  a  jerking  or  interrupted  move 
ment  toward  the  front  and  left,  palm  facing  the  front.  (Kaioica  I;  Co- 
manchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

With  the  index  only  extended,  point  to  the  earth  and  trace  a  course 
along  the  earth  toward  and  above  the  horizon.  (Apache  I.) 

Go  away. 

Place  the  open  left  hand  twelve  inches  or  so  in  front  of  the  lower  part 
of  the  chest,  pointing  forward  toward  the  right,  palm  looking  obliquely 
upward  and  backward ;  then  quickly  pass  the  palm  of  the  right  hand 
forward  and  upward  across  that  of  the  left  and  beyond  it  about  a  foot. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

The  hand,  with  the  palm  facing  downward  and  backward,  is  held  close 
to  the  body  and  about  on  a  level  with  the  stomach;  it  is  moved  upward 
to  a  level  with  the  top  of  the  head,  a  foot  or  so  in  front  of  it,  describing 
an  arc  whose  convexity  is  forward.  (Mandan  aud  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  closed  as  in  type-position  (B),  and  arm  semiflexed, 
bringing  hand  to  center  of  body.  The  arm  is  now  suddenly  extended 
to  full  length  and  hand  expanded  in  the  movement.  (Oto  I.)  "To  re 
move  from." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed,  and  the  hand,  in  position  (B  1),  more  horizon 
tal,  is  brought  to  the  epigastrium.  The  arm  is  then  suddenly  extended, 
hand  likewise,  with  the  index  finger  pointing  directly  from  the  body. 
Accompanying  this  sign  there  is  generally  a  repulsive  or  forbidding 
frown  assumed  by  the  countenance  when  one  is  ordered  to  depart  from 
displeasure.  To  go  on  a  message,  the  countenance  assumes  a  smile,  but 
sign  is  identical  and  is  combined  with  sign  for  Speak.  (Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I.)  "  To  withdraw  or  move  from." 
16 


122 

Place  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  and  in  front  of.  the  abdomen, 
pointing  upward,  palm  outward,  fingers  slightly  separated  and  bent; 
then  move  the  hand  off  toward  the  left.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Throw  the  right  hand  over  the  right  shoulder  so  that  the  index  points 
backward.  (Wichita  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.—  A  slight  movement  of  the  feet  on  the  floor 
and  moving  the  hand  forward.  (Ballard.) 

Open  the  hand  and  move  up,  and  at  the  same  time  point  it  forward. 
(Hasenstab.) 

Close  the  hand,  except  its  forefinger,  and  move  it  forward,  pointing  in 
the  direction  you  wish  the  person  to  go.  (Hasenstab.) 

Move  the  hand  forward  and  forward.    (Larson.) 

-  To  a  place,  to  go. 

Make  the  sign  for  Go,  and  when  the  hand  is  near  at  arms'  length  ex 
tend  the  left  and  place  it  horizontally  before  the  moving  right  so  that 
they  come  together  audibly.  (Kaiorca  I  ;  Comanche  III  j  Apaclie  II;  Wi 
t-hit  n  II.) 

Goat. 

Pass  both  hands,  with  the  tips  of  the  finger  and  thumbs  brought  to  a 
point,  in  a  curve  backward  and  downward  from  the  ears  in  the  direction 
of  the  horns,  then  place  both  hands  at  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen, 
palms  about  3  inches  apart  and  facing,  with  fingers  separated  and  curved 
so  that  the  tips  touch.  (Apache  I.)  "Curved  horns  and  large  testicles." 

Going,  traveling,  journey. 

To  describe  a  journey  on  horseback  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  are  placed  astride  of  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand,  and  both  rep 
resent  the  galloping  movement  of  a  horse.  If  it  is  a  foot  journey  wrave 
the  two  fingers  several  times  through  the  air.  (Ojibica  I.) 

The  kind  of  locomotion  may  be  indicated,  as  on  horseback,  &c.,  after 
that  pantomimic,  the  arms  and  hands  being  made  to  represent  the  legs 
and  feet.  (Arapaho  L) 

Touch  the  nose  with  the  right  index  for  I,  then  make  the  sign  for 
Go.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Touch  the  heart  with  the  right  index,  and  then  with  a  wave  of  the 
hand  outward,  point  in  the  direction  to  which  you  intend  to  go.     (Iro- 
I.) 


Strike  the  palms  of  both  hands  together  obliquely  and  gliding  past 
one  another.    (Zuni  I.) 


123 

Place  the  bauds  thumb  to  thumb,  palms  forward,  fingers  extended, 
separated,  aud  pointing  upward,  then  move  them  from  above  the  right 
hip  forward  and  toward  the  left.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — ]STo  general  sign,  but  for  riding,  whether  on 
horseback  or  on  wheels,  the  sign  was  made  by  bending  the  arms  and 
raising  and  depressing  the  elbows  in  imitation  of  a  man  riding  on 
horseback,  and  moving  the  hand  horizontally  forward  to  signify  away. 
(Ballard.) 


Running. 


Hold  the  hand  in  the  same  position  as  Walking,  and,  with  the  fore 
finger  extended  forward,  advance  the  hand,  keeping  the  closed  portion 
underneath,  and  turning  it  slightly  aud  rapidly  to  right  and  left  by  a 
quick  motion  of  the  wrist.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Traveling ;  marching. 

The  hand  held  vertically  as  high  as  the  neck,  with  slightly  divided 
fingers,  and  rocked  edgewise  forward  and  backward  upon  the  wrist, 
extending  the  arm  a  little  forward.  This  sign  resembles  that  for  Ques 
tion,  but  differs  in  the  direction  of  the  motion  of  the  hand.  (Long.) 

Hands  placed  in  the  position  for  making  the  sign  for  Battle,  except 
that  they  are  further  separated,  and  tfaeii  describe  a  series  of  half  circles 
or  forward  arch  like  movements  with  both  hands.  (Dakota  I.)  "Per 
son  walking." 

Hand  on  edge,  extended,  tips  forward,  palm  in  (T  on  edge,  forward); 
wave  it  vertically  aud  forward.  Both  hands  used,  indicate  two  parties, 
especially  the  double  column  in  which  troops  always*  march.  (Apache 
III.)  u  Ambulant,  forward  motion." 

Walking. 

Close  the  hand  except  the  index  finger,  and  with  that  extended,  at  the 
height  of  the  breast,  move  the  hand  forward,  bringing  it  down  a  little, 
at  regular  intervals,  to  imitate  the  steady  movement  of  a  walker.  ( Iro- 
quois  I.) 

Gone  under,  disappeared  from  view. 

Left  hand  flattened  and  held  back  upward,  thumb  inward,  in  front  of 
and  a  few. inches  from  the  breast,  right  hand  slightly  clasped,  forefinger 
more  extended  than  the  others,  and  passed  suddenly  under  the  left  hand, 
the  latter  being  at  the  same  time  gently  moved  toward  the  breast.  The 
idea  here  is  that  the  person  has  gone  under  a  covering  of  some  kind,  as 
a  table,  tent,  blanket,  &c.,  or  gone  under  the  water,  *.  e.,  disappearance 
from  view,  not  used  in  the  sense  of  dead,  death,  or  permanent  disap 
pearance.  (Dakota  I.) 

All ;  no  more.    See  Destroyed. 


124 

Gonorrhoea. 

Close  the  right  hand,  allowing  the  index  to  remain  half  closed,  point 
ing  downward ;  hold  the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  hip,  either  at  the 
side  or  in  front,  making  quick  downward  movements  extending  an  inch 
or  two.  (Abxaroka  I ;  Shoithoni  and Banak  I.)  "Flaccid  glans  penis  and 
dropping  of  gonorrhfleal  discharge." 

Good.    -(Compare  Glad  and  Yes.)       • 

The  hand  held  horizontally,  back  upward,  describes  with  the  arm  a 
horizontal  curve  outward.  (Jjong.)  This  is  like  our  motion  of  benedic 
tion,  but  may  more  suggestively  be  compared  with  several  of  the  signs 
for  Yew,  and  in  opposition  to  several  of  those  for  Bad  and  Ho,  show 
ing  the  idea  of  acceptance  or  selection  of  objects  presented,  instead  of 
their  rejection. 

Place  the  right  hand  horizontally  in  front  of  the  breast  and  move  it 
forward.  (  Wied.)  This  description  is  essentially  the  same  as  the  one  I 
furnished.  (Mainlan  and  Hidatsa  I.)  I  stated,  however  that  the  hand 
\v:is  moved  outward  (i.  e.,  to  the  right).  I  do  not  remember  seeing  it 
moved  directly  forward.  In  making  the  motion  as  I  have  described  it 
the  hand  would  have  to  go  both  outward  and  forward.  (Matthews.} 
The  left  arm  i*  elevated  and  the  hand  held  in  position  (W).  The  arm 
and  hand  are  thus  extended  from  the  body  on  a  level  with  the  chest; 
the  elbow  being  slightly  bent,  the  arm  resembles  a  bent  bow.  The  right 
arm  is  bent  and  the  right  hand  in  position  (W),  sweeps  smoothly  over 
the  left  arm  from  the  biceps  muscle  over  the  ends  of  the  fingers.  This 
sign  ;ind  Wied'x  are  noticeably  similar.  The  difference  is,  the  Oto  sign 
IIM-S  the  left  arm  in  conjunction  and  both,  more  to  the  left.  The  concep 
tion  is  ot  something  that  easily  passes;  smoothness,  evenness,  etc.,  in 
both.  (Boteler.) 

Wave  the  hand  from  the  mouth,  extending  the  thumb  from  the  index 
and  closing  the  other  three  fingers.  This  sign  also  means  I  know. 

(Hit i  ton.) 

(1)  Right-hand  fingers-  pointing  to  the  left  placed  on  a  level  with 
mouth,  thumb  inward ;  (2)  suddenly  moved  with  curve  outward  so  as 
to  present  palm  to  person  addressed.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Pass  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  downward,  through  an  arc  of  about 
90°  from  the  heart,  24  inches  horizontally  forward  and  to  the  right. 
(  Dakota  IV.)  "  Heart  easy  or  smooth." 

Place  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  thumb  touching  the  breast,  then 
move  it  forward  and  slightly  upward  and  to  the  right.  (Dakota  VI, 
VII ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Pass  the  flat  hand,  palm  down,  from  the  breast  forward  and  in  a  slight 
curve  to  the  right.  (Dakota  VI;  Hidateal;  Arikara  I.) 


125 

The  extended  right  hand,  palm  downward,  thumb  backward,  fingers 
pointing  to  the  left,  is  held  nearly  or  quite  in  contact  with  the  body 
about  on  a  level  with  the  stomach ;  it  is  then  carried  outward  to  the 
right  a  foot  or  two  Avith  a  rapid  sweep,  in  which  the  forearm  is  moved 
but  not  necessarily  the  humerus.  (Mandan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

Move  right  hand,  palm  down,  over  the  blanket,  right  .and  left,  several 
times.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hit  the  blanket,  first  011  the  right,  then  on  the  left,  palm 
down,  several  times.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Point  at  the  object  with  the  right  forefinger,  shaking  it  a 
little  up  and  down,  the  other  fingers  being  closed.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Same  as  preceding,  but  with  the  hand  open,  the  thumb 
crooked  under  and  touching  the  forefinger;  hand  held  at  an  angle  of  45° 
while  shaking  a  little  back  and  forth.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  closed  hands  together,  thumbs  up;  separate  by 
turning  the  wrists  down,  and  move  the  fists  a  little  apart;  then  reverse 
movements  till  back  to  first  position.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  left  hand  with  back  toward  the  ground,  fingers 
and  thumb  apart,  and  curved.  Hold  the  right  hand  opposite  it,  palm 
down ;  hands  about  six  inches  apart.  Shake  the  hands  held  thus,  up 
and  down,  keeping  them  the  same  distance  apart.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  hands  with  tli^  palms  in,  thumbs  up,  move  hands 
right  and  left,  keeping  them  about  six  inches  apart.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Look  at  the  righ'thaud,  first  on  the  back,  then  on  the  palm, 
then  on  the  back  again.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  above  eight  signs  were  all  taken  from  one  Omaha,  who  stated 
that  they  all  gave  the  idea  of  the  word  uda",  Good. 

The  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  is  moved  forward  and  upward,  start 
ing  at  a  point  about  twelve  inche;;  before  the  breast.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Throw  right  hand  rom  front  to  side,  fingers  extended  and  palm  down, 
forearm  horizontal.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Glad,  Pleased.     (Iroquois  I.) 

Bring  both  hands  to  the  front,  arms  extended,  palms  outward ;  elevate 
them  upward  and  slightly  forward ;  the  face  meanwhile  expressive  of 
wonder.  (Comanche  I.) 

Another:  Bring  the  hand  opposite  the  breast,  a  little  below,  hand 
extended,  palm  downward  (W),  and  let  it  move  off  in  a  horizontal 
direction.  If  it  be  very  good,  this  may  be  repeated.  If  comparatively 
good,  repeat  it  more  violently.  (Comanche  I.) 


126 
Deaf-mute  natural  siym. — Smack  the  lips.    (Bollard.) 

Close  the  hand,  while  the  thumb  is  up,  and  nod  the  head  and  smile  as 
if  to  approve  of  something  good.  (Hasenstab.) 

Use  the  sign  for  Handsome,  at  the  same  time  nod  the  head  as  if 
to  say  "yea."  (Zeigler.) 

Italian  signs. — The  fingers  gathered  on  the  mouth,  kissed  and  stretched 
out  and  spread,  intimate  a  dainty  morsel.  (Butler.) 

The  open  hand  stretched  out  horizontally,  and  gently  shaken,  inti 
mates  that  a  thing  is  so  so,  not  good  and  not  bad.  (Butler.) 

Some  of  the  signs  appear  to  be  connected  with  a  pleasant  taste  in  the 
month,  as  is  the  sign  of  the  French  and  our  deaf-mutes,  waving  thence 
the  hand,  back  upward,  with  fingers  straight  and  joined,  in  a  forward 
and  down  ward  curve.  The  same  gesture  with  hand  sidewise  is  theirs 
and  ours  for  general  assent :  "  Very  well ! " 

Gootl,  Heart  is. 

Strike  with  right  hand  on  the  heart  and  make  the  sign  for  Good, 
from  the  heart  outward.  (Cheyenne  1.) 

Touch  the  left  breast  two  or  three  times  with  the  ends  of  the  fingers 
of  the  right  hand,  then  make  the  sign  for  Good.  (.Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  fingers  of  the  flat  right  hand  over  the  breast,  then  make  the 
sign  for  Good.  (Dakota  VII.)  9- 

Move  hand  to  position  in  front  of  breast,  fingers  extended,  palm 
downward  ( W  L),  then  with  quick  movement  throw  hand  forward  and 
to  the  side  to  a  point  12  or  15  inches  from  body,  hand  same  as  in  first 
position.  (Sahaptinl.)  "Cut  it  off." 

Good,  Very. 

Place  left  hand  in  position  in  front  of  body  with  all  fingers  closed 
except  first,  thumb  lying  on  second  (HI  1  changed  to  left),  then  with 
forefinger  of  right  hand  extended  in  same  way  (HI  2)  point  to  end 
of  forefinger  of  left  hand,  move  it  up  the  arm  till  near  the  body 
and  then  to  a  point  in  front  of  breast  to  make  the  sign  Good. 
(Sahaptin  I.) 

Grandmother.    See  Relationship. 

Grass.    (Compare  Forest.) 

Point  to  the  ground  with  the  index,  and  then  turn  the  fingers  upward 
to  denote  growth.  If  the  grass  be  long,  raise  the  hand  high ;  and  if 
yellow,  point  out  that  color.  (Burton.) 


127 

Sign  for  Fore§t,  but  distinguished  therefrom  by  relative  height  to 
which  the  hand  is  raised.  (Arapaho.) 

Extend  the  right  hand  in  front  of  body  and  near  the  ground  in  the 
same  position  as  the  first  part  of  the  sign  for  fire  (hand  P) ;  raise  the 
hand  but  slightly,  however,  turn  it  over  flat  (W),  and  carry  it  with  a 
sort  of  waving  motion  to  the  right  and  left  as  in  imitation  of  the  waving 
of  a  large  field  of  grass.  (Dakota  I.)  "The  springing  up  of  the  grass." 

Hold  the  right  hand  near  the  ground  or  higher,  according  to  the 
height  of  the  grass,  its  back  forward,  fingers  pointing  upward,  and  a  lit 
tle  bent  or  separated.  For  grass  growing,  raise  the  hand  a  foot  or  so 
three  or  four  inches  at  a  time.  (Dakota  IV,  V,  VI,  VII;  Hidatsa  I; 
Arikara  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  extended  and  flat,  palm  down  before  the  breast, 
the  right  underneath  it  at  a  distance  to  show  height  of  grass ;  move 
the  right  hand  forward  and  backward  from  the  tip  to  the  wrist  of  the 
left  (maintaining  previous  distance)  to  show  the  spreading  of  the  growth 
over  the  surface.  (Utel.)  "This  sign  is  used  only  in  conversation, 
when  it  is  known  that  grass  is  meant  by  previous  reference ;  otherwise 
the  following  sign  is  used." 

Another:  Is  also  represented  by  holding  the  flat  right  hand,  palui 
downward,  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  different  elevations  represent 
ing  varying  .heights  of  growth.  (Ute  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  knee,  back  down,  fingers 
pointing  upward  and  diverging ;  then  indicate  the  height  by  placing 
the  flat  and  extended  palm  downward  at  the  required  height.  ( Apache  I.) 

Dtaf -mute  natural  sign. — Imitate  the  manner  of  mowing  with  a  scythe, 
and,  having  touched  the  lips  while  the  jaws  are  in  motion,  hold  the 
hands  apart,  one  over  the  other,  and  then  move  about  the  hand  horizon 
tally.  (Cross.) 

Fine  or  nice. 

Make  the  sign  for  Grass  and  Good.  Literally,  good  grass.  (Da 
kota  VI.) 

Grazing*    See  Feeding. 

Grease. 

Left  hand  held  carelessly  to  level  of  and  in  front  of  left  breast ;  two 
first  fingers  of  the  right  hand  slightly  extended  and  rubbed  against  the 
palm  of  the  hand  at  the  base  of  the  thumb.  (Cheyenne  I.)  Probably  a 
reference  to  the  manner  in  which  marrow  is  used  in  painting. 


128 

Right  hand  with  fingers  bent  in  resemblance  to  the  bowl  of  a  spoon, 
and  then  in  this  position  brought  over  the  left,  as  though  emptying  con 
tents  of  spoon  into  it,  which  is  held  level  of  stomach  horizontal,  palm 
upward,  fingers  extended,  curved  upward,  pointing  outward,  right  hand 
then  joining  the  left  and  in  same  position,  both  hands  are  pushed  out  in 
front  of  body  as  though  holding  a  pan  in  them,  and  at  the  same  time 
incline  the  head  forward  and  blow  on  the  hands.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From 
cooling  hot  grease,  or  food  cooked  in  it." 

Great.    (Compare  Big,  in  the  sense  of  great.) 

The  two  hands  open  placed  wide  apart  on  each  side  the  body  and 
moved  forward.  (Dunbar.) 

The  sign  for  Biff,  in  the  sense  of  large  around,  used  to  represent  the 
quality  of  greatness.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Drnf-mntr  natural  sign.— Separate  the  hands  widely  apart.     (Ballard.) 

Great  Father:    President;  also  Secretary  of  Interior. 

Make  the  signs  for  White  man.  Chief,  and  Father.  (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II ;  Wichita -II.) 

Green.    See  Color. 

Grief. 

Bring  the  right  hand  up  to  the  left  breast  with  fingers  and  thumb 
together  (U,  fingers  downward),  forefinger  against  breast,  make  a  down 
ward  movement,  the  hand  turning  as  it  goes  down  till  the  palm  is  up 
ward.  (Cheyenne  II.)  Down-hearted ;  lost  heart. 

Place  the  ends  of  the  fingers  over  the  eyes  with  both  hands  at  the 
same  time,  and  gently  let  the  hands  drop,  imitating  dropping  of  tears 
by  repeating  the  motion  two  or  three  times,  the  hands  falling  about  to 
the  breast,  the  head  bowed  forward.  ( Ojibwa  IV.) 

The  sign  for  Weeping  t  Crying  is  a  part  of  the  sign  for  grief,  which 
would  hardly  be  complete,  however,  without  reference  to  the  heart,  and 
the  following  is  the  sign  for  grief  or  sorrow  of  the  heart,  or,  as  the  Sioux 
say,  "  Heart  ift  down,  upset.""  The  palmar  surface  of  the  right  hand 
horizontal,  with  fingers  extended,  pats  the  left  breast  several  times,  and 
is  then  turned  over  three  or  four  inches  in  front  of  the  left  breast  so  as 
to  bring  the  palm  upward,  thumb  outward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Upset  heart, 
weeping." 

Place  the  palmar  side  of  the  extended  fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  the 
front  side  of  the  head,  close  the  eyes,  and  drop  the  head  forward  upon 
the  breast.  ( Wyandot  I.) 


120 

Grieved  ;  Wounded  feelings. 

With  the  index  only  extended  and  lield  horizontally  in  front  of  the 
breast,  pointing  toward  the  left,  pretend  to  puncture  the  heart  at  re 
peated  movements.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Ground.    See  Earth. 

Grow  or  Vegetate,  To. 

Tnrn  hand  and  forefinger  up  from  the  ground,  indicating  the  growing 
or  coining  from  the  ground  or  out  of  the  earth,  close  the  balance  of 
fingers  over  the  upturned  palm  of  the  right  hand,  raise  hand  by  a  quick 
motion  a  few  inches  from  the  earth.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Commence  with  the  sign  for  Liife,  living1,  &c.,  but  stop  the  upward 
motion  of  the  hand  at  the  proper  time  and  turn  it  over,  and  hold  as  seen 
in  (W).  (Dakota  I.)  "  Designating  the  amount  of  growth  by  height 
from  the  ground." 

The  hand  is  collected  somewhat  cup-shaped,  as  in  type  position  (O), 
the  fingers  more  closed  and  hand  horizontal,  and  made  to  approach  the 
mouth,  as  in  the  act  of  eating.  The  extended  right  and  left  indices  are 
then  crossed  and  brought  near  the,  ground.  From  this  position  the 
hands  in  situ  are  uniformly  and  successively  raised  in  jerks.  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I.)  "  The  coming  up  of  something  to  eat  from  the  earth." 

Gun. 

Hold  out  the  left  hand,  as  in  the  act  of  supporting  the  gun  when 
directed  horizontally,  and  with  the  right  appear  to  cock  it.  (Long.) 

Close  the  fingers  against  the  thumb,  elevate  the  hand,  and  open  the 
fingers  with  a  quick  snap.  ( Wied.)  It  seems  to  me  that  here  he  only 
describes  in  slightly  varied  language  the  motion  already  referred  to  in 
Arrow,  To  shoot  with,  and  Gun,  Discharge  of,  the  firing 
of  a  gun  and  not  the  gun  itself.  The  only  sign  I  ever  remember  to  have 
seen  for  Gun  was  made  by  the  arms  being  held  in  the  position  of 
shooting  a  gun  ;  but  whether  this  sign  was  conventional  or  improvised 
I  do  not  remember.  (Matthews.) 

The  dexter  thumb  and  fingers  are  flashed  or  scattered,  *.  e.,  thrown 
outward  or  upward,  to  denote  fire.  (Burton.) 

Eight-hand  fingers  pointing  upward,  partially  closed  against  the 
thumb,  held  to  level  of  shoulder,  suddenly  elevated  above  the  head, 
and  the  fingers  and  thumb  at  the  same  time  snapped  open  to  imitate  the 
quick  discharge  of  smoke  from  a  gun.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  index-fingers  extended  (others  closed),  thumbs  resting  on  second 
fingers,  the  right  brought  to  the  right  eye,  with  back  of  hand  toward 
the  right,  horizontal  finger  pointing  straight  outward,  and  the  left  arm 
17 


130 

extended  to  its  full  capacity  in  front  of  the  eye,  so  that  the  extended 
forefinger  of  that  hand  is  on  a  line  with  the  extended  forefinger  of  the 
right,  back  of  left  hand  toward  the  left,  hand  horizontal,  finger  pointing 
forward.  Kdge  of  the  fingers  of  both  hands  downward.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  act  of  aiming  with  the  gun." 

Semi-Hex  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand,  and  place  the  hand 
in  front  of  the  chest,  with  its  palm  inclining  downward,  backward,  and 
toward  the  right  at  an  angle  of  450;  j)ass  the  right  fist  upward  along 
the  palm  of  the  left  until  the  right  wrist  lies  between  the  left  thumb 
and  index,  then  suddenly  open  all  the  fingers.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  hand  brought  to  the  right  side  of  the  chest's  top  in  posi 
tion  (E  1),  horizontal ;  the  fingers  suddenly  opened,  as  in  grasping  a 
trigger;  the  left  arm  and  index-finger  extended,  and  the  right  hand  in 
above  position  brought  to  the  middle  of  the  left  arm ;  the  right  hand 
suddenly  expanded  upward,  as  the  smoke  from  the  explosion  of  the  cap 
when  the  gun  is  discharged.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  That  which  is  dis 
charged  by  a  trigger  from  the  shoulder." 

Cap,  percussion. 

Left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  breast,  half  closed,  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  clasped  as  though  grasping  a  small  object  and  brought  down  to 
left  hand;  motion  made  with  the  right  hand  as  though  cocking  a  gun; 
right  hand  slapped  into  the  palm  of  the  left  hand,  making  a  sharp  clap. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Discharge  of  a. 

Place  both  hands  as  in  Arrow,  to  shoot  an;  extend  the  left  arm, 
contract  the  right  before  the  face,  then  snap  the  ends  of  the  fingers 
forward.  (  Wierl.)  The  description  is  so  ambiguous  that  I  can  not 
satisfy  myself  as  to  his  meaning.  Perhaps  he  is  trying  to  describe  a 
form  of  the  sign  for  Volley,  which  I  gave  you.  (Matthew  )  There  is 
indisputable  similarity  in  the  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  sign  and  Wietfs  as  to 
conception  and  execution,  the  slight  difference  being  in  executing  it. 
(Botcler.) 

Left  hand  with  all  the  fingers  extended,  horizontal,  back  outward,  edge 
of  fingers  downward,  is  held  about  18  inches  in  front  of  the  breast,  and 
the  back  of  the  right  with  fingers  extended,  upright,  joined,  back  out 
ward  (S),  is  carried  out  from  the  breast,  struck  quickly  against  the 
palm  of  the  left,  *.  e.,  clapping  the  hands.  This  is  for  a  single  dis 
charge.  For  a  continuous  discharge  of  musketry,  clap  the  hands  many 
t  imes  in  rapid  succession.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  noise  of  the  discharge 
of  tire-arm-." 


131 

Gun-flint. 

With  the  index-finger  of  the  right  cut  off  a  piece  of  the  extended 
thumb,  so  that  the  finger  is  laid  across  the  thumb-nail.  ( Weld.)  I  have 
seen  this  sign  made.  (Matthews.) 

Gunpowder. 

Appear  to  take  up  a  pinch  of  the  powder  and  to  rub  it  between  the 
finger  and  thumb,  then  turning  the  hand  spring  the  fingers  from  the 
thumb  upward,  so  as  to  represent  the  exploding  of  the  powder.  (Long.} 

Rub  the  thumb  and  index  finger  together  repeatedly.  ( Wied.)  I 
remember  having  seen  this  sign  made;  but  I  think  that  when  the 
fingers  were  rubbed  together  they  were  held  points  downward,  an  inch 
or  so  above  the  open  palm  of  the  left  hand.  (Matthews.) 

The  left  hand  horizontal,  palm  upward,  fingers  to  the  right  (X),  is  held 
in  front  of  the  breast;  right  hand  (U),  with  fingers  pointing  downward, 
back  outward,  is  held  over  the  palm  of  the  left,  with  a  slight  motion  of 
the  thumb  and  forefinger,  as  though  feeling  the  grains  of  powder  with 
them.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Examining  the  grains  of  powder." 

Rub  the  thumb  and  index  of  the  right  hand  together  for  several 
seconds.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Gun-screw. 

Elevate  tbe  hand  to  indicate  the  gun  and  twist  the  fingers  spirally 
around  the  thumb.  (  Wied.) 

Gun-shot. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Explosion  with  the  right  hand,  which  is 
made  by  the  fist  (B  2),  excepting  that  the  thumb  is  under  the  fingers 
i.  c.,  resting  in  the  palm  of  the  hand,  the  fingers  are  snapped  forward 
and  upward  from  the  level  of  the  breast  to  that  of  the  head,  where  all 
the  fingers  are  closed  but  the  index  and  second,  which  are  separated 
and  point  upward  (N).  (Dakota  1.)  "  Indicates  the  explosion  or  dis 
charge  of  both  barrels  of  a  double-barreled  shot-gun." 


To  hit  with  a. 


Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  downward  upon  the  thumb,  then  snap 
them  forward  and  strike  the  hands  together.  ( Wied.)  Probably  when 
he  says,  "strike  the  hands  together,"  he  wishes  to  describe  my  sign  for 
Shot.  When  the  person  whom  the  prince  saw  making  this  sign, 
raised  the  finger,  he  may  have  done  so  to  indicate  a  Man,  or  One 
shot.  I  do  not  think  that  the  raising  of  the  finger  is  an  integral  part  of 
the  sign.  (Matthews.) 

Same  as  Bow,  but  in  making  the  first  sign  have  both  hands  opened 
and  the  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.) 


132 

Place  tlu>  loft  liaiul  at  ami's  length  in  front  of  the  breast,  the  right  at 
the  same  elevation  but  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder,  then  snap  the 
tinkers  from  the  thumb  simultaneously.  When  the  sign  is  used  in  con 
nection  with  other  gestures  in  a  sentence  it  is  thus  abbreviated;  when 
us.-d  alone,  the  backs  of  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand  are  struck  flat 
against  the  palm  of  the  left,  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  closed,  nearly  at  arm's  length.  Place  the  closed 
right  hand  before  the  right  shoulder,  first  two  fingers  resting  on  the 
ball  of  the  thumb;  then  simultaneously  snap  forward  the  index  and 
second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  and  the  forefinger  of  the  left;  finally, 
throw  the  open  right  hand  over  and  downward  toward  the  right. 
(Ute  1}  Abstirvka  1 ;  Shoshoni  un<l  n«nak  I.)  "To  hit  and  kill." 

-  To  hit  the  target. 

With  the  hands  in  the  position  stated  at  the  completion  of  the  sign 
for  I. mi.  discharge  of  a,  draw  the  right  hand  back  from  the  left, 
that  is,  in  toward  the  body;  close  all  the  fingers  except  the  index, 
which  is  extended,  horizontal,  back  toward  the  right,  pointing  straight 
outward,  is  pushed  forward  against  the  center  of  the  stationary  left 
hand  with  a  quick  motion.  Should  the  target  not  be  hit  it  can  be 
indicated  by  pushing  the  index  above,  below,  or  to  the  side  of  the  left 
hand,  as  the  case  may  require.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  striking  of  the 
target.  Bullet  comes  to  a  stop." 

Hail. 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  Water,  then  the  sign  of  Cold,  next  the 
sign  of  a  s|on< .  then  that  for  Same  or  Similar,  then  the  sign  of 
White,  and  lastly  conclude  with  the  sign  of  an  Egg;  all  of  which 
combined  gives  the  idea  of  hail.  (Dunbar.) 

With  the  forefinger  of  right  hand  resting  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  with  the  second  and  third  phalanges  crooked  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  form  a  small  round  opening  resembling  a  hail-stone,  other  fingers 
extended,  make  in  front  of  face  and  above  and  around  it  the  upward 
and  downward  movements,  describing  the  falling  of  hail-stones.  (Da- 
kota  I.)  "  From  the  falling  of  hail-stones." 

Dr<it'-mntc  natural  sign*.— Represented  by  showing  the  ball  of  the 
thumb  to  indicate  the  size,  pointing  to  the  shirt-bosom  to  signify  the 
color,  and  moving  the  extended  fingers  down  repeatedly  to  denote  the 
fall.  (Ballard.) 

Move  the  hands  outstretched  upward  and  downward,  and  then  strike 
the  fist  on  the  head.  (Larson.) 

Hair. 

The  movement  of  combing.    (Dunbar.) 


133 

(1)  Left  hand  naturally  closed,  elevated  to  the  front  of  the  person, 
right  hand  held  carelessly  against  base  of  thumb  of  left  hand  j  (2)  sign 
for  Grass  made.  This  sign  is  sometimes  made  over  other  portions  of 
the  body,  the  idea  being  skin  grass.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Touch  the  hair  of  the  person  or  animal  with  the  right  index.  (Dako 
ta  I.)  "  Designating  the  hair." 

Halt!  Stop! 

Eaise  the  hand,  with  the  palm  in  front,  and  push  it  backward  and 
forward  several  times — a  gesture  well  known  in  the  East.     (Burton.) 

Palm  of  right  hand  down,  move  sideways  two  or  three  times,  during 
the  extension  of  arm  slowly  extending  to  natural  length  (not  stretched), 
then  stopped  and  held  still  a  moment,  gently  lower  a  little,  with  a  care 
ful  movement  to  the  right  of  said  shoulder.  (Ojibiva  IV.) 

Eight  hand  brought  in  front  of  the  right  breast  a  few  inches,  hand 
and  fingers  upright,  joined,  palm  outward  (T),  carry  it  in  this  position 
directly  outward  from  the  body  with  a  quick  movement,  and  when  the 
arm  is  extended  about  two-thirds  of  its  capacity,  come  to  a  sudden  stop 
and  hold  there  a  moment.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  stopping 
suddenly." 

Both  hands  clinched  as  in  (A),  held  in  front  of  the  body,  the  right 
hand  above  the  left.  Bring  the  right  hand  down  quickly  on  top  of  the 
left.  (Dakota III.) 

Shake  the  upright  opened  right  hand  four  to  eight  inches  from  side 
to  side  a  few  times,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  right 
shoulder,  the  palm  forward,  fingers  relaxed  and  separated  a  little;  then 
close  the  hand  and  lower  the  fist  about  eighteen  inches,  back  outward. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Another:  Incline  the  body  forward,  place  the  right  fist  at  arm's  length 
forward,  a  little  higher  than  the  navel,  bent  upward  at  the  wrist,  back 
outward,  then  move  the  fist  downward  about  eighteen  inches.  (Dakota 
IV.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  palms  turned  inward,  fingers  closed.  Extend 
the  right  in  the  same  way  and  bring  the  extended  palm  of  the  right 
smartly  across  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  left,  just  missing  them. 
While  traveling,  if  they  want  to  stop  and  camp,  this  sign  is  used  with 
the  following  addition :  Clinch  the  right  fist  (F)  and  bring  it  smartly 
down.  This  indicates  they  will  sit  down  there.  (Comanche  I.)  "Cut 
it  off." 

Close  the  right,  leaving  the  index  fully  extended ;  place  the  tip  to  the 
mouth,  then  direct  it  firmly  forward  and  downward  toward  the  ground. 
(Pai-Utel.) 


154 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.— UK  both  hands  up.     (Zeigkr.) 
Italian  sign.— The    open  hand   stretched  out  with   the   fingers  up. 
(Buffer.) 

Halt.     A  stopping-place. 

Must  be  imliratrd  by  the  proper  name  of  the  place  (as  Bad  River, 
Stan. 1m-  Hock,  Hi-  Woods,  &c.)  at  which  the  halt  (which  is  also  the 
sin-pin-  l'la<-e  for  the  night)  is  made.  Indians  have  no  "halts"  in  the 
Boglisk  aenae  of  the  word,  but  would  say  instead,  "  I  slept  at  such  a 
river  or  rock."  In  only  one  way  can  Indians  be  said  to  have  halting- 
places,  *.  e.,  as  on  a  long  journey  over  a  well-known  country  the  same 
ramps  are  made  time  after  time  as  long  as  timber  and  water  last,  and 
distance  is  roughly  calculated  or  estimated  by  so  many  camps  or  days' 
journey.  (Dakota  I.) 

Hammer. 

Sam.-  as  the  sign  for  Stone,  Hard,  &c.  Sometimes  a  distinction 
is  sought  to  he  made  in  the  case  of  Hammer  by  pounding  in  the 
palm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  lower  part  of  the  right  fist  (A).  (Dakota 
I.)  "  From  the  use  of  the  hammer." 

Haii<l»ome.     (Compare  Good  and  Pretty.) 

Right  hand  touching  tlit-  left  side  of  forehead,  hand  horizontal,  palm  • 
inward,  lingers  joined,  and  the  thumb  pointing  obliquely  upward  (W 
2),  bring  the  hand  down  over  the  face  to  the  left  breast,  there  turn  the 
hand  so  that  it  will  be  as  in  (W)  with  tips  of  extended  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  left,  and  carry  it  outward  and  toward  the  right.  (Dakota  I.) 
"•  Pretty  face,  good  heart." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Draw  the  outstretched  palm  of  the  right 
hand  down  the  right  cheek.  (Zcigler.) 

Harangue.    See  Speaking;. 

Hard. 

Open  the  left  hand  and  strike  against  it  several  times  with  the  right 
(with  the  backs  of  the  fingers).  (Wied.)  Still  used  for  hard  in  certain 
-••uses.  (Matthew*.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Stone.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Would  seem  to  refer  to 
the  time  when  the  stone  hammer  was  the  hardest  pounding  instrument 
these  Indians  knew." 

Rotate  the  right  fist  a  very  little  from  side  to  side  while  raising  it 
about  a  foot  from  just  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  its  palm  inward. 
The  fist  represents  the  heart  which  is  hard,  and  the  motion  its  beating. 
(Dakota IV.) 


135 

Strike  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  front  of  the  right  fist  several 
times.  (Kaiotcai;  Gomanche  III;  Apache II;  Wichita  II.) 

Push  the  tip  of  the  right  index  against  the  tightly-clinched  left  fist 
(A)  at  several  points.  (Apache  III.)  "  Impenetrability." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Strike  the  fists  together.     (Larson.) 

Hold  the  forefinger  and  thumb  as  if  pressing  something  between,  at 
the  same  time  smack  the  lips  as  if  there  was  a  pasty  substance  between. 

(Zeigler.) 

Excessively  hard:  harder  than  anything. 

Make  the  sign  for  Hard,  then  place  the  left  index-finger  upon  the 
right  shoulder,  at  the  same  time  extend  and  raise  the  right  arm  high, 
extending  the  index-finger  upward  perpendicularly.  ( Wied.)  This  was 
said  by  an  Ogalala  to  mean  "a  hardy  man."  (Gorbusier.) 

Strike  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  back  of  the  right  fist  (to 
denote  the  resistance);  then  make  the  sign  for  Hard.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Hare. 

With  the  fore  and  second  fingers  (UT,  with  the  two  fingers  consider 
ably  separated)  of  each  hand  on  their  respective  sides  of  the  head,  and 
with  the  extended  fingers  pointing  upward,  backs  of  hands  light  to  right 
and  left  to  le  t,  wa<-;  them  forward  and  backward,  and  then  with  both 
hands  open,  fingers  straight,  slightly  separated,  pointing  upright,  backs 
of  hands  in  the  same  relative  position  as  above,  in  front  and  at  the  level 
of  the  face,  and  with  the  left  hand  seven  or  eight  inches  forward  of  the 
right,  make  the  forward  movements  with  both  at  the  same  time  in  imita 
tion  of  the  running  jumps  of  the  rabbit  by  moving  them  forward  on  a 
short  curve,  and  then  at  the  level  of  the  breast  lay  the  extended  straight 
and  joined  first  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  across  the  backs  ot 
of  the  similarly  extended  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  left  at  right 
angles.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  ears,  manner  of  running,  shadow,  &c., 
of  the  rabbit." 

Hat. 

Pass  the  parted  thumb  and  index-finger  about  both  sides  of  the  head 
where  the  hat  rests  upon  it.  ( Wied.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use  among 
the  Indians.  (Matthews.)  The  latter  movement  of  the  hand  in  Wied's 
sign  is  probably  the  same  as  the  first  motion  of  the  (Otoand  Missouri  I) 
sign.  (Boteler.) 

With  the  right  index  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  left,  and  the 
thumb  extended  and  pointing  backward,  the  other  fingers  closed,  move 
the  hand  from  the  top  of  the  head  forward  and  downward  to  the  eye 
brows.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Covering  the  head." 


136 

Place  the  extended  index-finger  and  thumb  on  the  forehead  and  right 
side  of  the  head,  then  draw  them  together  on  a  horizontal  line  where 
the  hat  rests  upon  the  head.  (Dakota  V.) 

The  arms  and  hands  are  raised  to  the  forehead,  the  thumbs  are  erect, 
the  extended  indices  meet  at  the  middle  of  the  forehead— the  hands  are 
in  position  (L)— and  diverge,  drawing  a  line  to  the  ears.  The  fingers  are 
now  closed  and  seemingly  pull  something  from  the  top  of  the  head  down 
ward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something  that  is  pulled  down  on  and 
marks  the  forehead." 

Hatchet.    See  Tomahawk. 
Hate,  I.    (Compare  Contempt.) 

Shake  the  head,  make  outward  quick  motion  of  both  hands  as  if 
pushing  back  with  the  right  hand,  palms  out,  extend  thumb  and  fingers 
partly,  and  sometimes  shut  the  hands  or  fists  closely,  indicating  more 
intense  feeling.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

The  sign  is  nearly  the  same  as  for  Contempt,  Disdain,  but  the 
thumb  is  held  under  the  hand,  its  tip  projecting  between  the  second 
and  third  fingers,  and  the  hand  is  thrown  out  in  front  of  the  body  and 
fingers  separated,  hack  upward,  with  great  force.  This  expresses  genu 
ine  hate,  hatred,  and  the  case  is  always  a  serious  one  where  this  sign  is 
used  by  an  Indian,  who  also  expresses  his  hatred  by  appropriate  facial 
emotions.  (Dakota  I.) 

Have;    I  Have.    See  Possession. 
He,  or  another. 

The  forefinger  extended  and  hands  shut,  and  fingers  brought  over  one 
another,  or  nearly  touching,  and  then  separated  moderately  quick. 
(Dunhar.) 

Indicate  one's  self  by  touching  or  otherwise,  followed  by  sign  of  UTega- 
tive;  i.  e.,  "not  myself,  another."  (Arapabo  I.) 

Indicate  the  particular  person  or  persons  to  which  reference  is  made 
by  pointing  toward  him  or  them  with  the  right  index  (]H).  (Dakota  I.) 
44  Designating  a  particular  person." 

(1)  Only  by  pointing  with  right  index  (2)  and  extending  left  index. 
(Apaclie  III.)  (2)  The  person  (1)  over  there. 

Deaf-mute  sign. — Point  the  thumb  over  the  right  shoulder. 


137 
In  the  phrase  of,  Another  speaks. 


Precede  the  gesture  for  Speak,  by  placing  the  hand  not  near  the 
mouth,  but  beginning  farther  away,  drawing  it  nearer  and  nearer. 
( Wied.) 

Heap,  pile,  mound. 

The  hands  are  brought  from  their  natural  positions  by  a  curved  motion 
with  the  palms  downward,  fingers  extended  separated,  nearly  together 
in  front  of  the  breasts,  18  inches,  fingers  pointing  outward,  hands  hori 
zontal,  flat,  &c.,  when  the  curved  motions  cease,  and  the  hands  (W) 
are  carried  straight  downward  six  or  seven  inches  and  brought  to 
a  stop  suddenly  as  though  patting  down  the  top  of  a  pile.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  shape  of  a  mound,  heap,  or  pile." 

Hear, to;  hearing;  heard;  listen.   (Compare  Understand.) 

Place  the  open  thumb  and  index- finger  over  the  right  ear,  and  move 
them  hither  and  thither.  ( Wied.)  I  have  given  you  this  sign  with  a 
similar  meaning,  but,  as  in  signs  for  Coat  and  Leggings,  I  say  the  finger 
tips  are  in  contact,  which  he  says  they  are  not.  The  remarks  I  make 
about  this  difference  in  the  former  signs  may  apply  as  well  to  this. 
(Matthews.) 

Tap  the  right  ear  with  the  index  tip.     (Burton.) 
A  twirling  at  the  ear.     (Macgowan.)  • 

First  and  middle  finger  of  right  hand  pointing  upward  held  close  to 
right  ear;  moved  gently  downward  and  forward,  eyes  looking  askance, 
eyebrows  contracted  as  if  in  the  act  of  listening.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  the  hand  partially  closed,  palm  to  the  front,  behind  the  ear. 
(Arapaho  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Attention,  and  then  carry  the  hand  back  in 
the  same  position  to  near  the  right  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  in 
cline  the  head  toward  the  sound  or  the  direction  in  which  it  comes. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Same  as  with  us;  first  attracting  attention  as  an  indica 
tion  to  keep  quiet  and  then  listening." 

Close  the  right  band,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  fully  extended 
and  separated  ;  place  the  hand  upon  the  right  ear  with  the  index  above 
it  and  the  thumb  below;  then  pass  forward  and  slightly  downward  by 
the  cheek.  (AbsaroJca  I ;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikaral;  ISJwshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Forefinger  right  hand  extended,  curved,  (others  closed) ;  thumb  rest 
ing  on  second  finger  is  carried  directly  to  the  right  ear.     (Dakota  I.) 
"From  the  act  of  hearing." 
18 


138 

Holding  the  fingers  as  for  I  know,  place  the  right  index,  back  out 
ward,  in  front  of  the  right  ear,  pointing  upward  and  a  little  forward. 
IV.) 


The  tips  of  the  forefinger  and  thumb  being  opposed,  the  hand  is  held  a 
tew  inches  from  the  ear  and  then  caused  to  approach  the  latter.  The 
hand  may  then  be  restored  to  its  original  position  and  motion  repeated. 
(Manila  n  ami  Hidatxa  I.) 

Spread  the  thumb  and  index  widely  apart,  remaining  fingers  closed; 
place  the  hand,  palm  forward,  to  the  side  of  the  head,  the  thumb  below 
the  ear,  and  the  index  above  it  ;  then  move  the  hand  forward  and  down 
ward.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II  ;  Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  hand  behind  the  ear  in  the  most  natural  manner  for  a 
listener.  (Comanche  I.)  u  I  want  to  hear." 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  closed,  index  crooked,  placed 
opposite  and  pointing  to  the  ear,  pal  in  toward  the  shoulder,  and  moved 
toward  the  ear  several  times.  (Apache  I.) 

-  To  listen. 

Hold  the  right  index  in  front  of  the  ear  as  for  I  Hear,  and  then 
turn  the  hand  a  little  from  side  to  side  two  or  three  times.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Bring  the  hand  (R  with  last  three  fingers  shut)  near  the  ear,  thumb 
and  index  raised,  other  fingers  closed;  turn  the  head  to  bring  the  ear 
toward  source  of  sound;  facial  expression  inquiring.  (Apache  III.) 
"  Sound  coming  to  ear." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.  —  Place  the  forefinger  on  the  ear;  at  the  same 
time  incline  the  head  as  if  to  listen  to  something.  (Zeigler.) 

Move  the  forefinger  nearly  to  the  ear.     (Ballard.) 
To  point  the  finger  to  the  ear.     (Larson.) 

-  Do  not.     I  do  not  understand. 

Make  the  sign  for  I  Understand,  1  Hear,  and  then  the  sign  for 
IVo,  or  throw  the  hand  outward  from  the  ear.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Point  the  forefingers  of  both  hands  to  the  external  meatus  of  the  ears. 
(ZttKL) 

-  With  one's  own  ears,  To. 

Make  the  sign  for  Hear,  then  pass  the  index  of  the  right  hand  from 
the  left  ear  outward  toward  the  left.  (Arikara  I.) 


139 

Heard,  I  have. 

Open  wide  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  the  right  hand,  place  them 
over  the  ear,  and  in  this  position  move  them  quickly  past  the  chin  and 

nose.     ( Wied.) 

Bring  the  extended  palm  (W)  to  the  ear  a  time  or  two,  as  if  fanning 
the  ear.    (Comanclie  I.) 

Heart. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  I,  personal  pronoun.     (Dakota  I.)     The  heart  is 
selected  as  the  seat  of  all  the  emotions. 

Bad.    See  Bad  heart. 

Good.    See  Good  heart. 


Heat. 

The  two  hands  raised  as  high  as  the  head  and  bending  forward  hori 
zontally,  with  the  points  of  the  fingers  curving  a  little  downward. 

(Dunbar.) 

(I)  Both  hands,  palin  downward,  elevated  to  the  level  of  the  eyes  and 
extended  outward ;  (2)  brought  downward  with  a  rapid  motion,  half 
opened  while  descending.  Reference  to  the  sun's  rays,  for  more  partic 
ular  idea  "  it  feels  hot,"  right  hand  held  with  little  finger  against  the 
part  affected  and  sign  for  Fire  made.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  both  hands  over  the  head,  palms  down,  fingers  pendent  and 
hanging  downward  at  a  short  distance  from  the  forehead.  (Kaiotca  I ; 
Comanclie  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita .II.)  This  sign  if  made  a  little  lower 
and  in  front  of  the  face,  the  hands  also  being  lowered  and  raised  again 
several  times  quickly,  signifies  Ka  in.  "  Rays  of  light  and  heat." 

Heavy. 

Place  both  flat  and  extended  hands  before  the  chest,  pointing  forward 
with  the  palm  up,  about  four  inches  apart,  as  if  supporting  a  large  body; 
then  move  them  simultaneously  upward  and  downward  about  two  or 
three  inches,  the  upward  motion  being  made  more  rapidly  than  the 
downward.  (Kaioical;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Point  at  an  imaginary  object;  seize  with  both  hands  and  lift  with 
great  effort ;  also,  take  up  an  imaginary  object  in  one  hand  and  lift 
slowly  two  or  three  feet  (Y).  (Apache  III.) 

With  both  hands  clinched  (B),  arms  more  than  half  extended,  draw 
them  upward  in  front  of  the  body  from  the  level  of  the  abdomen  to  that 
of  the  face,  with  a  slow  and  more  or  less  interrupted  movement,  as 
though  the  hands  seized  and  conveyed  upward  a  heavy  body ;  at  the 
same  time  the  effort  is  denoted  by  contraction  of  the  facial  muscles 
(Dakota,  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  lifting  a  heavy  body." 


140 

Help,  To  aw*i«t. 

Briii};  right  hand  up  to  right  breast,  forefinger  straight  (J  in  upright 
position,  palm  out) ;  the  left  to  the  left  breast,  same  position,  hands  about 
six  inches  apart.  Move  both  forward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 

Only  by  others  coming  to  join  in  doing  some  special  work.  (Apache 
III.) 

First  commence  with  the  open  right  hand  (IT)  back  outward,  pointing 
obliquely  upward,  about  two  feet  from  the  right  side  of  the  front  of  the 
body  and  draw  inward  nearly  to  the  body,  describing  a  series  of  circu 
lar  movements,  then  without  stopping  the  movement  of  the  hand,  cany 
it  with  moderate  force,  back  upward,  horizontal,  fingers  extended, 
straight,  joined,  etc.,  against  the  palm  of  the  left  hand,  (inner  side  of 
the  right  index  striking  it),  which  is  held  horizontal,  about  a  foot  in  front 
of  the  body,  with  fingers  extended,  straight,  joined,  etc.,  edge  down  ward, 
back  toward  the  right,  and  then  the  right  hand  is  carried  outward  from 
the  body  by  a  series  of  circular  movements  the  reverse  of  the  first 
movements  given  above.  (Dakota  I.)  "Come  and  help  me." 

Here. 

Right  hand  closed,  fist,  back  outward,  upright,  is  moved  upward  and 
downward  in  front  of  right  side  of  body  from  the  level  of  the  breast  to 
that  of  the  top  of  the  head.  (Dakota  I.)  "It  is  right  here;  -at  the 
place." 

The  right  arm  is  Hexed  toward  the  body,  and  the  hand  in  type- 
position  (A)  describes  a  circle  before  the  breast.  The  sign  continu 
ing  from  the  completion  of  the  circle,  the  hand  is  fully  opened  as  in  type- 
position  (8  1),  horizontal,  and  edges  being  held  upward  and  downward, 
and  made  to  strike  the  ground  forcibly.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "On 
this  very  spot  of  earth." 

Only  by  pointing,  as  to  ground  or  into'iny  tent  as  I  sat  at  its  entrance. 
(Apache  111.) 

Where  we  stand. 

Same  position  of  hand  as  Ureat  distance,  and  point  down  directly 
in  front  to  the  feet  or  between  them  with  sudden  dropping  of  head  or 
quirk  bow,  the  eyes  following  the  direction  of  the  hand  in  every 
instance.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Hide,  To;  Conceal.    (Compare  Steal.) 

Place  the  hand  inside  the  clothing  of  the  left  breast.  This  means  also 
to  put  away  or  to  keep  secret.  (Burton.) 

(I)  Sign  for  Steal ;  (2)  left  hand  flat,  palm  downward,  placed  near 
some  part  of  the  body ;  (3)  right-hand  fingers  hooked  :  covered  by  left 
(Cheyenne  I.) 


141 

The  left  band  stationary  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  left  breast, 
horizontal,  back  outward,  edge  downward,  fingers  closed,  and  then  pass 
the  right  hand,  with  fingers  hooked,  back  of  hand  outward,  edge  of 
fingers  downward,  horizontal,  quickly  between  the  left  hand  :ind  the 
body  to  the  left  side,  as  though  passing  it  under  a  blanket  or  the  coat. 
Although  not  identical  with  the  sign  for  Stealing  this  sign  resembles 
it  very  much,  and  it  is  used  to  denote  concealment  of  any  article 
from  view,  much  the  same  as  we  would  put  out  of  sight  any  article  we 
did  not  wish  seen  for  any  reason  other  than  that  the  article  was  stolen. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Placing  it  out  of  sight." 

Hold  the  opened  left  hand,  palm  downward,  fingers  pointing  toward 
the  right  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest, 
and  pass  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  downward,  over  it,  and  along  the 
forearm  to  the  elbow ;  then  close  both  hands  and  carry  the  right  fist 
under  the  left  arm,  as  if  hiding  it.  (Dakota  IV.) 

.  Grasp  the  forefinger  of  the  right  with  the  palm  of  the  left.  Some 
times,  when  desiring  to  express  Theft  they  go  through  the  motion  of 
concealing  something  under  their  blanket.  (Comanche  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — First  hold  the  open  left  hand  in  front  of  the 
body,  next  pass  slowly  the  open  right  hand  beside  the  left,  and  at  the 
same  time  incline  the  head,  with  the  mouth  closely  shut  and  the  eyes 
half  opened,  toward  the  left,  and  then  point  to  the  hiding-place.  (Hasen- 

stab.) 

To  put  the  outstretched  hands  together  toward  the  head.     (Larson.) 

To  incline  the  head  and  face  as  if  seeking  some  place  of  refuge. 

(Zeigler.) 

Secret,  secreted. 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Having  touched  the  lower  lip,  the  mouth 
opening  and  shutting  alternately,  shake  your  head.  (Cross.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  mouth,  at  the  same  time  moving  the  lips 
as  if  speaking,  and  then  shake  the  head  as  if  to  say  u  no."  (Zeigler.) 

Hide,  §kin. 

Sign  for  Animal ;  both  hands  closed,  palms  facing  but  not  touch 
ing  each  other;  quickly  but  slightly  drawn  apart.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

II  iii  h.     See  Big1  in  the  sense  of  High. 

Hill,  bluff*,  mountain. 

A  clinched  hand  held  up  on  the  side  of  the  head,  at  the  distance  of  a 
foot  or  more  from  it.  To  signify  a  range  of  mountains,  hold  up  the  fin 
gers  of  the  left  hand  a  little  diverging  from  each  other.  (Long.) 


142 

Close  the  finger  tips  over  the  head  ;  if  a  mountain  is  to  be  expressed, 
raise  them  high.  To  denote  an  ascent  on  rising  ground,  pass  the  right 
palm  over  the  left  hand,  half  doubling  up  the  latter,  so  that  it  looks  like 
a  ridge.  (Burton.) 

Both  hands  outspread  near  each  other,  palms  downward,  and  elevated 
to  the  level  of  the  face ;  brought  downward  to  represent  the  slope  of  a 
hill,  the  motion  at  the  base  being  somewhat  more  rapid  than  at  the  first 
part.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  clinched  at  some  distance  before  the  face,  the 
knuckles  pointing  upward,  representing  the  elevation  or  hill.  (Dakota 
VII.) 

Going  over  a. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Hill  as  contained  in  mountain,  with  both 
hands  or  with  the  left  hand,  in  front  of  breast,  and  then  the  right  hand 
is  drawn  back  toward  the  body  (left,  representing  the  hill,  stationary) 
and  then  carried  outward  with  short,  jerking  motions  over  the  back  of 
tin-  left,  as  though  a  man  was  riding  or  walking  over  a  hill.  (Dakota  I.) 
••  doing  over  a  hill  and  passing  out  of  view." 

Hold  the  left  hand  about  afoot  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  chest, 
back  outward  and  forward,  and  pass  the  slightly-flexed  right  hand  for 
ward  o\  er  it,  about  twelve  inches,  through  an  arc  beginning  two  or  three 
inches  behind  it,  back  upward,  the  fingers  at  first  pointing  a  little  up 
ward,  then  forward,  and  toward  the  last  a  little  downward.  (Dakota  IV.) 


Peak. 


Place  the  left  fist,  with  the  knuckles  pointing  upward,  at  some  distance 
before  the  face.  ( Ute  I.) 

Close  the  left  hand  loosely,  the  thumb  resting  upon  the  middle  joint 
of  the  forefinger,  palm  toward  the  face,  and  hold  it  as  high  as  the  shoul 
der.  (Apache  I.) 

Hoe;  Hoeing. 

Pantomime  of  handle  by  extended  left  arm,  blade  by  adjusted  right 
hand,  and  the  action  of  using  a  hoe.  (Apache  III.) 

nog. 

Right-hand  fist  (B,  turned  downward)  is  moved  around  in  various 
directions  below  the  level  of  the  body,  pointing  downward,  with  upward 
movements  in  imitation  of  the  hog's  manner  of  rooting  in  the  ground 
with  its  snout.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  hog's  manner  of  eating." 

P.oth  hands  are  brought  to  the  sides  of  the  head  in  type-position  (W), 
ami  made  to  vibrate  to  and  from,  the  thick  of  hand  being  stationary.  The 


143 

right  hand  then  approaches  the  mouth,  and  is  made  to  scoop  succes 
sively  forward  from  the  mouth,  in  imitation  of  the  animal  plowing  the 
ground.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  A  being  with  large  ears  that  plows  up 
earth  with  its  nose." 

(1)  Hand  on  edge,  forward  (T  on  edge),  waved  vertically  and  forward, 
short,  quick  motion;  (2)  hand  nearly  extended,  lingers  gathered  together 
(U,  more  loosely  and  bent  a  little),  and  placed  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
tips  forward.  (Apache  III.)  "Gait  of  animal,  and  snout.  The  first 
part  of  the  sign  is  an  ideally  perfect  reproduction  of  the  trot  of  the 
half-grown  porkers  scavenging  the  agency  rubbish." 

Honest,  honesty.    (Compare  Truth.) 

Right  hand  held  with  thumb  inward  against  the  heart;  forefinger 
extended,  knuckle  placed  against  the  mouth ;  thrust  straight  forward 
and  outward  in  a  slight  downward  curve  to  express  "  straight  from  the 
heart."  (Cheyenne  I.) 

An  honest  man. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Man  and  then  the  sign  for  Truth.  This 
relates  to  True,  truth,  in  speaking.  He  tells  no  lies.  It  is  such  a  rare 
occurrence  for  one  Indian  to  steal  from  another  of  the  same  tribe,  that 
the  Sioux  have  no  separate  sign  for  An  honest  man,  as  implying  the 
opposite  of  Thief.  (Dakota  I.) 

Indicate  the  person  with  the  index,  then  place  both  hands,  flat  and 
extended,  about  eighteen  inches  apart,  with  palms  facing,  as  high  as  the 
head,  and  move  them  eastward  to  arm's  length.  (  Wyandot  I.)  "  Uni 
form  from  head  to  foot,  or,  literally,  the  same  from  end  to  end." 

Indicate  object.  (1)  Grasp  toward  it  (P,  closing  more  and  prone); 
(2)  sign  of  negation;  (3)  wave  the  hands  off  forward  and  down  (Q). 
(Apache  111.)  "(L)  Taking;  (2)  no;  (3)  leaves  it  where  it  is." 

First  point  to  the  person,  then  make  sign  for  Good;  then  place 
fist  of  left  hand  at  a  point  in  front  of  body  (A  1,  changed  to  left),  and 
make  a  pass  under  it  with  right  hand,  as  though  grasping  something 
and  pulling  it  away  from  where  it  belongs,  fingers  and  thumb  naturally 
relaxed  at  first  (Y  1,  palm  down),  but  before  the  return  movement  is 
made  the  fingers  and  thumb  are  closed  (A  2,  palm  inward),  as  though 
laying  hold  of  something;  then  the  final  motion  is  making  the  sign  of 
Negation,  ]¥ot.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  He  is  a  good  man ;  will  steal  noth 
ing  at  all." 

Horror. 

The  palm  of  the  right  hand  ( W  2)  laid  over  the  mouth,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  sign  for  Surprise  is  made  by  drawing  the  head  and 
body  backward.  I  have  seen  a  few  Indians  use  both  hands  in  making 


144 

this  sign,  laying  one  over  the  other  crosswise,  thus  +  ,  covering  the 
mouth.  One  of  these  signs  would  he  used  as  above  if  an  Indian  walk 
ing  along  should  unexpectedly  see  the  body  of  a-dead  person  lying  on 
the  ground,  when  the  sign  for  Surprise  would  be  made  simultaneously 
as  expressing  his  emotions.  One  of  the  signs  would  also  be  used  by  a 
person  on  hearing  of  an  unexpected  death;  and  I  believe  it  was  some 
occurrence  of  this  kind  that  misled  the  Prince  of  Wied-Xeuwied  and 
caused  him  to  give  substantially  the  second  sign  above  as  the  one  for 
Dead,  Death.  ( Dakota  I.) 

II  or  we. 

The  right  hand  with  the  edge  downward,  the  lingers  joined,  the 
thumb  recumbent,  extended  forward.  (Dunbar.) 

I  Mace  the  index  and  third  finger  of  the  right  hand  astraddle  the 
index  finger  of  the  left.  (W-ied.)  By  the  "third"  he  means  the  "middle" 
finger,  as  appears  in  another  connection.  He  counts  the  thumb  as  the 
first. — Ed.  I  have  described  this  sign  in  words  to  the  same  effect. 
(Matthew.)  The  right  arm  is  raised,  and  the  hand,  opened  edgewise, 
with  fingers  parallel  and  approximated, is  drawn  from  left  to  right  before 
the  body  at  the  supposed  height  of  the  animal.  There  is  no  conceiva- 
able  identity  in  the  execution  of  this  sign  and  tVied'x,  but  the  sign  for 
Horse  by  the  Prince  of  W-ied  is  nearly  identical  with  the  sign  for  Ride 
a  llor*e  among  the  Otos.  (Boteler.) 

Left-hand  thumb  and  forefinger  straightened  out,  held  to  the  level  of 
and  in  front  of  the  breast;  right-hand  forefinger  separated  from  the 
middle  finger  and  thrown  across  the  left  hand  to  imitate  the  act  of 
bestriding.  They  appear  to  have  no  other  conception  of  a  horse,  and 
have  thus  indicated  that  they  have  known  it  only  as  an  animal  to  be 
ridden.  (Cheyenne  1.) 

A  hand  passed  across  the  forehead.     (Macgotcan.) 

Draw  the  right  hand  from  left  to  right  across  the  body  about  the 
heart,  the  lingers  all  closed  except  the  index.  (Dodge.)  This  probably 
refers  to  the  girth.  It  has  a  resemblance  to  Burton's  sign  for  Dog,  and 
is  easily  confounded  with  his  sign  for  Think,  Guess. 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  thumb  extended  (UT  1), 
downward,  astraddle  the  first  two  joined  and  straight  fingers  of  the 
left  hand  (T  1),  sidewise  to  the  right.  Many  Sioux  Indians  use  only  the 
forefinger  straightened.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Horse  mounted." 

The  first  and  second  fingers  extended  and  separated,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  closed ;  left  forefinger  extended,  horizontal,  remaining  fingers 


and  thumb  closed  ;  place  the  rij-ht-hand  fingers  astride  of  the  forefinger 
of  the  left,  and  both  hands  jerked  together,  up  and  down,  to  represent 
the  motion  of  a  horse.  (Dakota  III.) 

The  two  hands  being  clinched  and  near  together,  palms  downward, 
thumbs  against  the  forefingers,  throw  them,  each  alternately,  forward 
and  backward  about  a  foot,  through  an  ellipsis  two  or  three  times,  from 
about  six  inches  in  front  of  the  chest,  to  imitate  the  galloping  of  ahorse, 
or  the  hands  may  be  held  forward  and  not  moved.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  astraddle  of  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left.  (Dakota  VI, 
VII;  Hidatsal;  Arikara .  I.) 

The  left  hand  is  placed  before  the  chest,  back  upward,  in  the  position 
of  an  index-hand  pointing  forward;  then  the  first  and  second  fingers 
of  the  right  hand  (only)  being  extended,  separated,  and  pointing  down 
ward,  are  set  one  on  each  side  of  the  left  forefinger,  the  inter-digital 
space  resting  on  the  forefinger.  The  palm  faces  downward  and  back 
ward.  This  represents  a  rider  astride  of  a  horse.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Close  hands,  except  forefingers,  which  are  curved  downward ;  move 
them  forward  in  rotation,  imitating  the  fore  feet  of  the  horse,  and  make 
puffing  sound  of  "  Uh,  uh!"  (Omaha  I.)  "This  sign  represents  the 
horse  racing  off  to  a  safe  distance,  then  puffs  as  he  tosses  his  head." 

The  arm  is  flexed  and  with  the  hand  extended  is  brought  on  a  level 
with  the  mouth.  The  hand  then  assumes  the  position  (W  1),  modified 
by  being  held  edges  up  and  down,  palm  toward  the  chest,  instead  of 
flat.  The  arm  and  hand  being  held  thus  about  the  usual  height  of  a 
hoise  are  made  to  pass  in  an  undulating  manner  across  the  face  or  body 
about  one  foot  distant  from  contact.  The  latter  movements  are  to  re 
semble  the  animal's  gait.  (Oto  I.)  "  Height  of  animal  and  movement 
of  same." 

The  index  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  placed  astraddle 
the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flat,  extended,  with  fingers  joined,  lay  the  thumb 
inward  against  the  palm,  then  pass  the  hand  at  arm's  length  before  the 
face  from  left  to  right.  (Kaiowa  I  j  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Another :  Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers 
astraddle  the  extended  and  horizontal  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (Kai 
owa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II  j  Wichita  II.)  "  This  sign  is  only  used 
communicating  withuninstructed  white  men,  or  with  other  Indians  when 
whose  sign  for  Horse  is  specifically  distinct." 
19 


146 

Place  the  right  hand,  palm  down,  before  the  right  side  of  the  chest; 
place  the  tips  of  the  second  and  third  fingers  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  allowing  the  index  and  little  fingers  to  project  to  represent  the 
ears.  Frequently  the  middle  fingers  extend  equally  with  and  against  the 
thumb,  forming  the  head  of  the  animal,  the  ears  always  being  represented 
by  the  two  outer  fingers,  viz.,  the  index  and  little  finger.  ( Ute  I.) 

Elevate  the  right  hand,  extended,  with  fingers  joined,  outer  edge 
toward  the  ground,  in  front  of  the  body  or  right  shoulder,  and  pointing 
forward,  resting  the  curved  thumb  against  the  palmar  side  of  tjie  index. 
( Apache  I.)  "  This  sign  appears  also  to  signify  Animal  generically,  being 
frequently  employed  as  a  preliminary  sign  when  denoting  other  species." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Imitate  the  motion  of  the  elbows  of  a  man 
on  horseback.  (Ballard.) 

Act  in  the  manner  of  a  driver,  holding  the  lines  in  his  hands  and 
shouting  to  the  horse.  (Cross.) 

Move  the  hands  several  times  as  if  to  hold  the  reins.     (Larson.} 

Our  instructed  deaf-mutes  indicate  the  ears,  followed  by  straddling 
the  left  hand  by  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right.  The  French 
deaf-mutes  add  to  the  straddling  of  the  index  the  motion  of  a  trot. 


A  man  on  a. 


Same  sip  as  for  Horse,  with  the  addition  of  erecting  the  thumb 
while  making  the  gesture.  (Dodge.} 

—  Bay. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  and  then  rub  the  lower  part  of  the  cheek 
back  and  forth.  (Dakota  IV.) 

-  Black. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  and  then  point  to  a  black  object  or  rub 
the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  palm  of  the  fingers  of  the  rieht 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Bronco.    An  untamed  horse. 

Make  the  sign  To  ride,  then  with  both  hands  retained  in  their  rela 
tive  positions,  move  them  forward  in  high  arches  to  show  the  bucking 
.of  the  animal.  ( Ute  I.) 

Grazing  of  a. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  then  lower  the  hand  and  pass  it  from  side 
to  side  as  if  dipping  it  upon  the  surface.  ( Ute  I.) 


147 

Packing  a. 

Hold  the  left  hand,  pointing  forward,  palm  inward,  a  foot  in  front  of 
the  chest  and  lay  the  opened  right  hand,  pointing  forward,  first  obliquely 
along  the  right  side  of  the  upper  edge  of  the  left  hand,  then  on  top,  and 
then  obliquely  along  the  left  side.  (Dakota  TV.) 

Eacer,  fast  horse,  etc. 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  bent  at  right  angle  before  the  face;  the 
hand,  in  position  (S  1)  modified  by  being  horizontal,  palm  to  the  face, 
is  drawn  across  edgewise  in  front  of  the  face.  The  hand  is  then  closed 
and  in  position  (B)  approaches  the  mouth  from  which  it  is  opened  and 
closed  successively  forward  several  times,  finally  it  is  suddenly  thrust 
out  in  position  ("W  1)  back  concave.  (Oto  and  Missouri.)  "  Is  expressed 
in  the  first  sign  for  Horse,  then  the  motion  for  quick  running." 

Racing. 

Extend  the  two  forefingers  and  after  placing  them  parallel  near 
together  in  front  of  the  chest,  backs  upward,  push  them  rapidly  for 
ward  about  a  foot.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  both  hands,  with  the  forefingers  only  extended  and  pointing 
forward  side  by  side  with  the  palms  down,  before  the  body;  then  push 
them  alternately  backward  and  forward,  in  imitation  of  the  movement 
of  horses  who  are  running  "neck  and  neck."  (Ute  I;  Apache  I,  II.) 

Saddling  a. 


Hold  the  left  hand  as  in  the  sign  for  Horse,  Packing  a,  and  lay 

the  semi-flexed  right  hand  across  its  upper  edge  two  or  three  times,  the 
ends  of  the  right  fingers  toward  the  left.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Spotted ;  pied. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  then  the  sign  for  Spotted.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Horseback,  To  ride. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  with  the  difference  that  hand  extends 
farther  and  the  gesture  is  made  quickly.  ( Wied.) 

Separate  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  over  the  fin 
gers  of  the  left  extended  and  joined,  both  palms  toward  the  body,  the 
forefinger  of  the  right  along  the  back  of  the  left  hand.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  for.e  and  middle  fingers  across  the  forefinger  of  left  hand, 
both  advanced  in  front  of  breast,  both  hands  advancing  motions  as  if 
riding,  by  up  and  down  motions  on  finger  and  left  hand.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  (]¥  with  thumb  resting 
on  third  finger)  astraddle  the  two  joined  (many  Sioux  use  only  the  fore- 


148 

finger  straightened)  and  straight  first  finger  of  the  loft  (T  1),  then 
make  several  short  arched  movements  forward  with  hands  so  joined. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  The  horse  mounted  and  in  motion." 

Double  the  fists  and  make  a  succession  of  plunging  motions,  alter 
nately  with  either  hand,  forward  and  downward  in  imitation  of  the 
motion  of  a  horse's  forefeet  in  trotting  or  galloping.  The  sign  of  strad 
dling  the  fingers  for  riding  is  also  in  use  among  the  Sioux,  but  is  not 
so  common  as  the  above.  (Dakota,  II.) 

Extend  and  spread  the  right  fore  and  middle  fingers  and  place  them, 
their  ends  pointing  directly  downward,  astride  the  fingers  of  the  left 
hand ;  the  little  and  ring  fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  be  semi-flexed, 
thumb  against  index;  the  radial  side  of  the  left  hand  to  be  upward,  fin- 
gel's  extended  and  joined,  pointing  forward,  thumb  in  palm,  then 
raise  and  lower  the  end  of  the  lett  hand  several  times.  This  sign  is 
also  used  for  Horse  when  the  hands  are  kept  still.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Extend  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  left,  hand  before  the  body,  then 
straddle  the  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  across  those  of 
the  left;  in  this  position,  make  a  series  of  short  jumps  or  jerks  from  left 
to  right,  imitating  the  gallop  of  a  horse.  (Dakota  V.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  and  as  the  hands  are  retained  in  this 
position,  move  them  forward  in  short  curves  to  represent  motion  of 
riding.  (Dakota  VI;  Hidatea  I ;  Arikara\.) 

The  hands  are  arranged  as  in  the  sign  for  Horse,  and  then  moved 
forward.  (Hidatxa  I.)  This  indicates  in  a  general  way  a  journey  on 
horseback  ;  but  different  modes  of  riding  may  be  shown  by  appropriate 
modifications  of  this  sign,  thus:  a  slow  journey  is  shown  Amoving  the 
hands  slowly  forward,  a  race  by  moving  them  rapidly,  a  gallop  by  mov 
ing  them  in  a  series  of  small  arcs  whose  convexity  is  upward,  a  jog-trot 
by  moving  them  in  a  series  of  small  angles  with  a  slight  arrest  of  motion 
between  each  angle,  etc. 

Left  hand  represents  the  horse,  forefinger  held  up  a  little  from  the 
other  fingers.  Right  forefinger  and  middle  finger  astride  left  forefinger ; 
right  thumb  curved  upward  on  left  of  left  forefinger.  (Omaha  I.) 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  astride  the  left  hand,  and 
move  both  forward.  (Iroquois  I.) 

4p 

Place  the  hands  as  in  the  sign  for  Horse,  and  move  them  forward 
in  short  interrupted  arched  curves.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Throw  the  index  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand  astraddle  the 
forefinger  of  the  left,  (Sahaptin  I.) 


149 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  across  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left,  back  of  the  hand 
forward.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

The  index  and  second  fiiiger  of  the  right  hand  alone  extended  and 
separated,  placed  astraddle  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left,  the 
palm  of  the  right  hand  facing  the  back  of  the  left  hand.  (Apache  I.) 

Hot,  Hot  weather.    (Compare  Heat.) 

Hands  at  the  height  of  the  head  or  sometimes  over  it,  horizontal,  flat, 
with  fingers  and  thumbs  extended,  separated,  pointing  toward  the  front, 
palm  of  hands  down  (W),  make  a  slight  tremulous  motion  with  the 
fingers,  without  moving  the  hand.  Sign  is  also  often  made  with  the 
extended  fingers  pointing  toward  each  other.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Glimmer 
during  hot  weather.  Reflection  and  refraction  through  the  atmosphere 
often  seen  during  hot  weather." 

Hour,  Time  of  day.    (Compare  Day.) 

To  indicate  any  particular  time  of  day,  the  hand  with  the  sign  of  the 
sun  is  stretched  out  toward  the  eastern  horizon,  and  then  gradually 
elevated  until  it  arrives  in  the  proper  direction  to  indicate  the  part  of 
the  heavens  in  which  the  sun  will  be  at  the  given  time.  (Long.} 

Forefinger  of  right  hand,  crooked  as  in  sign  for  Morning,  made  to 
describe  an  arc  over  the  head  from  east  to  west,  being  stopped  at  any 
point  in  the  arc  according  to  the  time  of  morning  or  evening.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

Indicate  the  spot  at  which  the  sun  stood  when  the  event  to  which 
they  are  alluding  occurred.  Point  fixedly  to  that  point  and  hold  the 
arm  in  that  position  for  several  moments.  (Ojibwa  I.) 

Curve  the  index  of  the  closed  right  hand  in  the  form  of  a  half  circle; 
move  it  from  the  eastern  horizon,  following  the  course  of  the  sun,  and 
allowing  it  to  rest  at  the  position  occupied  by  that  body  at  the  time  to 
be  indicated.  (Dakota  V.) 

The  sign  for  Sun  being  made,  the  hand  is  held  in  the  direction  of 
the  place  which  the  sun  would  occupy  at  the  time  to  be  indicated,  or  the 
hand  is  made  to  describe  an  arc  corresponding  to  the  course  of  the  sun 
during  the  lapse  of  time  referred  to.  Thus  the  forenoon  is  shown  by 
stretching  the  hand  (in  position  of  sign  for  sun)  toward  the  horizon,  and 
then  slowly  sweeping  it  up  toward  the  zenith ;  the  afternoon  is  shown 
by  a  reverse  motion  ;  noon,  by  holding  the  hand  toward  the  zenith. 
(Hidatsa  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Indicated  by  striking  the  air  with  the  fore 
finger,  signifying  the  stroke  of  the  clock.  (Bollard.) 


150 

Move  the  forefinger  in  a  circle,  indicating  the  motion  of  the  minute- 
hand,  and  then  indicate  the  number  of  hours.  (Hasenstab.) 

House.    (Compare  Lodge.) 

The  hand  half  open  and  the  forefinger  extended  and  separated  ;  then 
raise  the  hand  upward  and  give  it  a  half  turn,  as  if  screwing  some 
thing.  (Dunbar.) 

Partly  fold  the  hands,  the  fingers  extended  in  imitation  of  the  corner 
of  an  ordinary  log-house.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  outspread  near  each'  other,  elevated  to  front  of  face ;  sud 
denly  separated,  turned  at  right  angles,  palms  facing ;  brought  down  at 
right  angles,  suddenly  stopped.  Representing  square  form  of  a  house. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

The  fingers  of  both  hands  extended  and  slightly  separated,  then  those 
of  the  right  are  placed  into  the  several  spaces  between  those  of  the  left, 
the  tips  extending  to  about  the  first  joints.  (Absaroka  I.)  "  From  the 
arrangement  of  the  logs  in  a  log  building." 

Cross  the  ends  of  the  extended  fingers  of  the  two  hands,  the  hands  to 
be  nearly  at  right  angle,  radial  side  up,  palms  inward,  thumb's  in  palms. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "  Represents  the  logs  at  the  end  of  a  log-house." 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  spread,  place  those  of  the  right  into  the 
spaces  between  those  of  the  left,  then  move  the  hands  in  this  position  a 
short  distance  upward.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "Arrangement  of  logs  and  ele 
vation." 

Both  hands  are  held  edgewise  before  the  body,  palms  facing,  spread 
the  fingers,  and  place  those  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces  between  those 
of  the  left,  so  that  the  tips  of  each  protrude  about  an  inch  beyond. 
(Hidatsa  I ;  Kalowa  I ;  Arikara  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita 
II.)  "The  arrangement  of  logs  in  a  frontier  house."  In  ordinary  con 
versation  the  sign  for  white  man's  house  is  often  dropped,  using  instead  the 
generic  term  employed  for  lodge,  and  this  in  turn  is  often  abbreviated, 
as  by  the  Kaiowas,  Comanches,  Wichitas,  and  others,  by  merely  placing 
the  tips  of  the  extended  forefingers  together,  leaving  the  other  fingers 
and  thumbs  closed,  with  the  wrists  about  three  or  four  inches  apart. 

Both  hands  held  pointing  forward,  edges  down,  fingers  extended,  and 
slightly  separated,  then  place  the  fingers  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces 
between  the  fingers  of  the  other,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  either 
hand  to  protrude  as  far  as  the  first  joint,  or  near  it.  (Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  From  the  appearance  of  a  corner  of  a  log-house — protruding 
and  alternate  layers  of  logs." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.— Draw  the  outlines  of  a  house  in  the  air. 
(Bollard.) 


151 

Put  the  open  hands  together  toward  the  face,  forming  a  right  angle 
with  the  arms.  (Larson.) 

Going  into  a. 

Hold  the  open  left  hand  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
breast,  palm  downward  or  backward,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  right, 
and  pass  the  right  hand,  palm  upward,  fingers  bent  side  wise  and 
pointing  backward,  from  before  backward  underneath  it,  through  a 
curve  until  near  the  mouth.  Some  at  the  same  time  move  the  left  hand 
a  little  forward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Going  out  of  a. 

Hold  the  open  left  hand  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  breast, 
palm  downward  or  backward,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  right,  and 
pass  the  right  with  index  extended,  or  all  of  the  fingers  extended,  and 
pointing  forward,  about  eighteen  inches  forward  underneath  the  left 
through  an  arc  from  near  the  mouth.  Some  at  the  same  time  move  the 
left  hand  toward  the  breast.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Stone,  Fort. 

Strike  the  back  of  the  right  fist  against  the  palm  of  the  left  hand, 
the  left  palm  backward,  the  fist  upright  (idea  of  resistance  or  strength) ; 
then  with  both  hands  opened,  relaxed,  horizontal,  and  palms  back 
ward,  place  the  ends  of  the  right  fingers  behind  and  against  the  ends 
of  the  left;  then  separate  them,  and  moving  them  backward,  each 
through  a  semicircle,  bring  their  bases  together.  (Dakota  IV.)  "An 
inclosure." 

Humble  or  meek. 

Express  by  bent  body,  the  right  hand  holding  the  mouth,  or  over  it, 
the  hands  also  sometimes  blackened.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Poor,  in  property,  and  then  the  ex 
tended  forefinger  of  both  hands  (others  closed),  pointing  upright  ( J), 
with  backs  inward,  are  carried  straight  outward  from  about  a  foot  in 
front  of  their  respective  eyes  as  far  as  the  arms  can  be  extended.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "Closely  related  to  poor  in  property  ;  and  possibly  means  not 

seeing  anything  belonging  to  the  person." 

.  \ 

Hungry. 

A  sawing  of  the  breast.     (Macgowan.) 

Touch  the  epigastrium  with  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and 
then  opening  the  mouth  point  down  the  throat  with  the  same  finger. 
(Dakota  II.)  "  The  first  motion  indicates  the  emptiness  of  the  stomach 
and  the  second  the  mode  of  remedying  it.? 


152 

The  arm  is  flexed  at  the  elbow,  the  hand  collected  into  shape  of  a 
spoon,  fingers  and  thumbs  approximated  and  forming  a  hollow  in  the 
hand,  not  closed  at  points.  With  the  palm  up,  the  hand  is  then  drawn 
edgewise  across  the  epigastrium  twice.  (Oto  I.)  "Am  empty  or  ex 
hausted." 

Another:  The  arm  is  flexed  and  the  hand  brought  to  the  pit  of 
stomach,  as  in  position  (S  1),  modified  by  being  horizontal  and  the  back 
concave  outward.  The  hand  is  then  passed  semicircularly  downward 
and  outward  from  the  abdomen.  (Oto  I.)  <•  Hollowed  out  or  empty." 

Pass  the  outer  edge  of  the  flat  right  hand  across  the  epigastrium 
with  a  sawing  motion.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanclie  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita 
II.)  "The  craving  of  an  empty  stomach." 

Both  hands  placed  near  together  in  from,  of  stomach,  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  body,  then  each  hand  quickly  jerked  aside  as  though  tearing 
something  apart.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Place  the  flat  right  hand  transversely  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach  accom 
panied  by  an  expression  of  weariness.  (Apache  I.) 

Italian  xign. — Taj)  the  side  with  the  open  hand.     (Butler.) 

limit inu  "i'  "('arching*  lor. 

The  forefinger  is  brought  near  the  eye  and  placed  in  the  attitude  of 
pointing;  it  is  then  wagged  from  side  to  side,  the  eye  following  its 
devious  motion,  and  seeming  to  look  in  the  direction  indicated.  Some 
times  the  hand  is  extended  fat  before  the  eye,  and  the  same  motion  is 
given  to  the  finger.  (Long.) 

Right  forefinger  extended  (others  closed)  (HI),  is  carried  outward 
from  the  right  eye,  with  considerable  up-and-down  and  right-and-left 
movements,  as  though  searching  for  something  lost,  the  eyes  following 
the  course  of  the  finger.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  'the  act  of  hunting  or 
searching  for  anything." 

With  the  index  (or  index  and  second  fingers  separated)  only  extended, 
place  the  hand  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the  face,  the  finger  point 
ing  slightly  above  the  horizon ;  move  it  from  side  to  side,  with  the  eyes 
intently  following  the  movement.  (Dakota  VII;  Ute  I.) 

The  hand  is  held  as  in  the  sign  for  See,  and  is  then  moved  forward 
with  a  laterally  zigzag  motion.  (Bidatsa  1.) 

With  the  right  hand  extended  at  arm's  length,  palm  down,  fingers 
pointing  to  the  front  and  slightly  above  the  horizon,  move  it  horizontally 
from  side  to  side,  allowing  the  eyes  to  follow  the  motion,  with  an  expres 
sion  of  inquiry.  (Apache  I.) 


153 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Knit  the  eyebrows  and  move  the  head  in 
different  directions,  bending  the  eye  upon  vacancy.  (Bollard.) 

Bring  your  head  forward  a  little  and  change  your  look,  showing  that 
you  are  looking  around  for  something  not  yet  found.  (Gross.) 

Another:  Having  touched  the  eyelid,  move  horizontally  the  finger, 
with  an  expression  of  hunting  for  something.  (Cross.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  eye;  at  the  same  time  incline  the  head 
as  if  hunting  for  something.  (Zelgler.) 

For  game. 

Same  as  the  sign  Hunting  for.  This  is  a  general  sign,  and  if 
hunting  for  a  particular  kind  of  game  it  must  be  specified  by  its  proper 
sign,  as  deer,  antelope,  buffalo,  etc.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  act  of  seek 
ing,  searching." 

Hurry. 

Close  the  right-hand,  index  extended  and  elevated,  pointing  upward, 
back  of  hand  forward,  and  beckon  by  drawing  the  haud  toward  the 
body  several  times  excitedly.  (Omaha  I.) 

Place  the  hands,  palms  up,  near  the  stomach  and  in  front  of  it,  then 
make  an  up-and-down  motion  as  if  tossing  a  large  light  body  a  short 
distance.  (Kaiowa  I;  Gomanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Evi 
dently  from  the  movement  of  the  stomach  sometimes  experienced  when 
running-." 

Husband.    (Compare  Companion;   Same;  Married.) 

The  two  forefingers  are  extended  and  placed  together  with  their 
backs  upward.  This  sign  is  also  used  for  Companion.  (Long.) 

Make  the  sign  in  front  of  the  privates  for  llau.  and  then  move  the 
right  fist,  back  outward,  forward  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  from  six 
inches  in  front  of  the  navel.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Man  I  have." 

And  Wife. 

The  same  sign  frequently  used  for  both:  Lay  the  two  forefingers 
together,  side  by  side,  straight  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Two  joined  as  one." 

Or  Wife. 

Extend  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  and  bring  them  together  side  by 
side  in  front  of  the  breast  and  a  foot  therefrom.  (Gomanche  I.) 

I,  me,  myself. 

The  fingers  of  the  right  hand  laid  against  the  breast.     (Dunbar.) 
20 


154 

The  clinched  hand  struck  gently,  and  with  a  quick  motion  two  or 
three  tinu,  upon  the  breast.  Or,  the  fingers  brought  together  are 
placed  perpendicularly  upon  the  breast,  (Long.) 

Touch  the  nose-tip,  or  otherwise  indicate  self  with  the  index.  (Bur 
ton.) 

Touch  or  otherwise  indicate  one's  self.    (Arapaho  I.) 

llight-hand;  lingers  drooping,  forefinger  separated  from  the  others, 
gently  touched  once  or  twice  to  the  right  breast.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  collected  to  a  point,  the  thumb 
lying  a-ainst  the  palms  of  the  fingers,  then  bring  the  hand,  pointing 
ttpwd,  slowly  toward  the  breast.  Also  used  to  express  to  me.  (Al)*a- 
roka  I;  Shoxhoni  and  Banalc  I.) 

Right  hand  (SI)  thumb  and  fingers  extended  horizontal,  back  out- 
\v:mi.  tapping  the  left  breast.  When  the  gesturer  desires  to  be  very 
emphatic,  the  clinched  right  hand  is  struck  repeatedly  against  the  right 
hivast.  (l)aleota  I.)  (Compare  Heart,  Dalcota  i.) 

Touch  the  end  of  the  nose  with  the  radial  side  of  the  right  forefinger, 
the  forefinger  pointing  upward.  (  Dakota  I  V.) 

I  Mace  the  extended  index  against  the  middle  or  upper  portion  of  the 
breast,  (Dakota  VII.) 

Touch  the  middle  of  the  breast  with  the  index.    (Hidatsal;  Ankara,  I.) 

Strike  the  left  breast  with  index-finger  of  right  hand,  the  other 
fingers  being  closed.  (Omaha  I.) 

With  the  right  hand  arched,  so  that  the  thumb  rests  along  the  side  of 
the  index,  place  the  inner  side  of  the  hand  against  the  breast,  with  the 
fingers  pointing  downward.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 


Another  :  Place  the  index  or  the  ends  of  the  extended 
the  breast.     (Kaioical;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  index  upon  the  breast  rather  quickly.  If  this  gesture  is 
made  slowly,  and  when  in  connection  with  other  signs  of  a  narrative, 
or  preceding  the  expression  of  want,  or  desire,  it  expresses  to  me.  (Pai- 
UteL] 

Sweep  tin-  hand  up  the  body  and  raise  the  right  forefinger  up  witli 
vigor  just  before  face.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.—  Indicated  rby  pointing  to  one's  self—  to  the 
person  speaking.  (Ballard.) 


155 

Best  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  upon  the  breastbone,  and  at  the  same 
time  nod  the  head.  (Hasenstab.) 

Put  the  right  forefinger  on  the  breast.     (Zeigler.) 

Some  deaf-mutes  push  the  forefinger  against  the  pit  of  the  stomach, 
others  against  the  breast,  and  others  point  it  to  the  neck  for  this  per 
sonality. 

Objective. 

With  the  fingers  placed  closely  together  at  the  tips,  the  thumb  resting 
alongside  of  the  index,  bring  the  hand,  pointing  upward,  slowly  to  and 
*  against  the  middle  of  the  breast.     (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II  j 
Wichita  II.) 

Ice. 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  Water,  then  of  Cold,  then  of  Earth, 
and  lastly  a  Stone,  with  the  sign  of  Sameness  or  Similarity. 

(Dunbar.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Stone.     (Dakota  I.)     "  A  hard  substance." 

Ignorant. 

Tap  the  forehead  with  the  slightly-curved  index,  followed  by  the  sign 
for  I<ie.  (Apache  I.) 

111.    See  Sick. 

Imprecation. 

Italian  sign. — The  forefinger  turned  down  is  a  motion  of  a  girl  at 
Thrasyineue,  who  was  refused  alms,  as  she  cried  va  a  V  inferno.  ( Butler.} 

Imprudent— Rash. 

Shade  the  eyes  with  left  hand,  relaxed  (IT  palm  inward),  right  hand 
in  front  of  breast,  forefinger  straight  upright  (J  palm  outward) ;  move 
forward,  making  three  or  four  short  stops  in  the  movement  to  represent 
the  motion  of  a  person  walking.  This  is  the  general  description ;  if  re- 
referring  to  rash  charge  in  battle,  the  sign  with  left  hand  is  first  made, 
then  sign  for  charge  is  made  with  both.  (Cheyenne  II.)  "  Going  blindly, 
without  looking." 

Place  the  tips  of  the  extended  forefingers  to  the  temples,  then  throw 
the  hands  outward  and  downward.  (Wyandot  I).  "No  judgment — 
literally." 

In,  Within. 

Forefinger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  are  held  in  the  form  of  a  semi 
circle,  opening  toward  and  near  the  breast,  and  the  right  forefinger, 
representing  the  prisoner,  is  placed  upright  within  the  curve,  and  passed 


156 

from  one  side  to  another,  in  order  to  show  that  it  is  not  permitted  to  pass 
out.  This  is  the  sign  for  Prisoner,  as  given  in  "  Introduction  to  the 
study  of  sign-language,"  etc.  This  sign  is  the  one  made  by  the  Sioux 
for  Jn,  Within,  and  also  to  indicate  Praoit«r,but  when  so  used  the  semi 
circle  'would  be  continued  to  a  circle  after  passing  the  linger  within 
it.  This  sign,  however,  is  not  limited  to  Prisoner.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  left-hand  fingers  extended  side  by  side,  the  thumb  facing  but  an 
inch  or  two  from  them,  pointing  toward  the  right  (forming  a  U  held 
sidewise);  the  bent  index  is  then  pushed  partly  into  the  space  between 
the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  left,  (Apache  I.) 

Indecision,    Doubt.     (Compare   Question,    and    Know,    I 

flOBl't.) 

The  index  and  middle  finger  extended  diverged,  place  them  trans 
vereely  before  the  situation  of  the  heart,  and  rotate  the  wrist  two  or 
three  times  gently,  forming  each  time  a  quarter  of  a  circle.     (Long.) 
••  More  than  one  heart  for  a  purpose." 

Combine  the  signs  of  Affirmative  and  Negative,  i.  c.,  Ye»— JY«. 
(Arapaho  I.) 

The  right  hand  brought  to  the  region  over  the  heart,  with  the  first  two 
fingers  extended,  pointing  obliquely  downward  toward  the  left,  thumb 
resting  on  third  finger,  which  with  the  fourth  is  closed,  back  of  hand 
outward,  make  several  quick  tremulous  motions,  then  extend  the  thumb 
and  fingers,  and  carry  the  hand  out  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  body, 
turning  the  hand  so  that  it  is  brought,  horizontal,  flat,  palm  upward 
(X),  extending  the  forearm  from  the  elbow  only.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  right  index  extended,  back  upward,  pointing  toward  the  left,  in 
front  of  the  left  breast,  the  other  fingers  half  closed,  thumb  on  middle 
finger;  move  the  hand  through  an  arc  forward  and  toward  the  right 
until  it  is  in  front  of  the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Going  around, 
therefore  not  certain." 

Make  the  sign  for  Have,  and  then,  with  its  back  upward,  fingers 
separated  ;i  little,  slightly  fiexed,  and  pointing  forward,  rotate  the  right 
hand  to  the  right  and  left,  describing  an  arc  upward  (to  imply  doubt.) 
(Dakota  IV.)  «  Perhaps  I  will  get  it,  or  have  it." 

Index  and  second  fingers  straight  and  separated,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  closed,  place  the  tips  near  the  region  of  the  heart,  pointing 
to  the  left ;  move  to  and  from  the  heart  repeatedly  as  if  puncturing  it, 
at  each  thrust  rotating  the  hand  slightly  so  that  the  position  of  the  fin 
gers  will  be  similar  at  each  alternate  movement.  (Kaioica  I ;  Comanehe 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 


157 

Perplexity. 

Italian  sign.— Open  hand  shaken  before  the  forehead  as  if  an  agitation 
of  the  brain.  (Butler.} 

Doubt. 

Italian  sign. — Both  hands  with  fingers  apart  and  palms  forward,  raised 
by  the  head.  (Butler.} 

Indian  Agency. 

First  make  the  sign  for  White  man,  and  then  the  sign  Give, 
then  designate  the  particular  agency  (see  local  names  in  "  PROPER  NAMES, 
PHRASES,  ETC.")  by  its  proper  sign,  if  desiring  to  be  specific.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  The  place  where  government  provisions  are  issued,  and  the  white 
man  who  issues  them." 

Indifference.     None  of  my  business. 

Italian  signs. — Botli  hands  held  dewn  by  the  thighs.     (Butler.} 

The  hand  waved  under  the  chin.     (Butler.} 
Indigent.    See  Poor. 
Infant.     See  Child. 
Inquiry.    See  Question. 
It  is  so.    See  Yes. 
Journey.    See  Going* 
Kettle. 

Same  sign  as  for  Village,  but  is  made  closer  to  the  earth.  ( Wied.) 
The  configuration  of  a  common  kettle  (the  utensil  obtained  from  the 
whites  in  trade  being,  of  course,  the  one  referred  to)  is  the  same  as  that 
of  the  stockaded  villages  of  the  Mandans  and  Hidatsa,the  intervals  left 
between  the  hands  representing  in  this  case  the  interruption  in  the 
circle  made  by  the  handles.  The  differentiation  is  effected  by  the  posi 
tion  closer  to  the  earth. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Fire,  and  then  place  the  fingers  and  thumbs 
of  both  hands  together  in  front  of  the  breast  so  as  to  describe  a  circle 
looking  downward,  and  then  move  the  hands  still  held  in  this  position 
as  though  putting  a  kettle  over  the  fire.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  one  of 
the  uses  to  which  they  put  a  kettle." 

Make  the  sign  for  Eating,  and  then  make  a  circle  by  holding  the 
ends  of  the  partly  bent  forefingers  and  thumbs  near  together,  the  palms 
of  the  hands  inward  (Dakota  IV.) 

Kill,  Killing.    (Compare  Knife,  to  kill  with.) 

The  hands  are  held  with  the  edge  upward,  and  the  right  hand  strikes 
the  other  transversely,  as  in  the  act  of  chopping.  This  sign  seems  to  be 


158 

more  particularly  applicable  to  convey  the  idea  of  death  produced  by 
a  blow  of  the  tomahawk  or  war-club.     (Long.) 

Clinch  the  hand  and  strike  from  above  downward.  (  Wied.)  I  do  not 
remember  this.  I  have  given  you  the  sign  for  killing  with  a  stroke. 
(Maitheics.)  There  is  an  evident  similarity  in  conception  and  execution 
between  the  (Oto  and  MiKxoitri  I)  sign  an<nruv/'.s.  (Boteler.)  This  mo 
tion,  which  may  be  more  clearly  expressed  as  the  downward  thrust  of  a 
knife  held  in  the  clinched  hand,  is  still  used  by  many  tribes  for  the  gen 
eral  idea  of  "  kill,"  and  illustrates  the  antiquity  of  the  knife  as  a  weapon. 
The  actual  employment  of  arrow,  gun,  or  club  in  taking  life,  is,  however, 
often  specified  by  appropriate  gesture. 

Smite  the  sinister  palm  earthward  with  the  dexter  list  sharply,  in 
sign  of  "Going  down";  or  strike  out  with  the  dexter  fist  toward  the 
ground,  meaning  to  "shut  down;"  or  pass  the  dexter  under  the  left  fore- 
linger,  meaning  to  "go  under."  (Burton.) 

Right  hand  cast  down.  .  (Macgoican.) 

Right  hand  clinched,  thumb  lying  along  finger  tips,  elevated  to  near 
the  shoulder,  strike  downward  and  outward  vaguely  in  the  direction  of 
the  object  to  be  killed.  The  abstract  sign  for  Kill  is  simply  to  clinch 
the  right  hand  in  the  manner  described  and  strike  it  down  and  out  from 
the  right  side.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  hands  clinched,  with  the  thumbs  resting  against  the  middle  joints 
of  the  forefingers,  hold  the  left  transversely  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the 
breast,  then  push  the  right,  palm  down,  quickly  over  and  down  in  front 
of  the  left.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoahoni  and  Banak  I.)  "To  force  under — 
literally." 

With  the  dexter  list  brought  in  front  of  the  body  at  the  right  side, 
strike  downward  and  outward,  with  back  of  haud  upward,  thumb  to 
ward  the  left,  several  times.  (Dakota  I.)  "Strike  down." 

With  the  first  and  second  joints  of  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand  bent, 
end  of  thumb  against  the  middle  of  the  index,  palm  downward,  move 
the  hand  energetically  forward  and  downward  from  a  foot  in  front  of 
the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Striking  with  a  stone"— man's  first 
weapon. 

Hold  the  right  fist  palm  down,  knuckles  forward,  and  make  a  thrust 
forward  and  downward.  (Dakota  VI,  VII;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

The  left  hand,  thumb  up,  back  forward,  not  very  signally  extended, 
is  held  before  the  chest  and  struck  in  the  palm  with  the  outer  edge  of 
the  right  haud.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsal.)  "To  kill  with  a  blow;  to 
deal  the  death-blow." 


159 

-  Eight  hand,  fingers  open  but  slightly  curved,  palm  to  the  left;  move 
downward,  describing  a  curve.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Similar  to  the  last,  but  the  index-finger  is  extended,  point 
ing  in  front  of  you,  the  other  finger  but  half  open.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Close  the  right  hand,  extending  the  forefinger  alone*;  point 
toward  the  breast,  then  throw  from  you  forward,  bringing  the  hand  to 
ward  the  ground.  (Omaha  I.) 

Both  hands,  in  positions  (AA),  with  arms  semiflexed  toward  the 
body,  make  the  forward  rotary  sign  for  Fighting  or  Battle ;  the 

right  hand  is  then  raised  from  the  left  outward,  as  clutching  a  knife 
with  the  blade  pointing  downward  and  inward  toward  the  left  fist; 
the  left  fist  being  held  in  situ,  is  struck  now  by  the  right,  edgewise  as 
above  described,  and  both  suddenly  fall  together.  (Oto  and  Missouri 
I.)  "  To  strike  down  in  battle  with  a  knife.  Indians  seldom  disagree 
or  kill  another  in  times  of  tribal  peace." 

Place  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  at  arm's  length  to  the  right, 
bring  it  quickly,  horizontally,  to  the  side  of  the  head,  then  make  the 
sign  for  Dead.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "  To  strike  with  a  club,  dead." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Strike  a  blow  in  the  air  with  the  clinched 
fist,  and  then  incline  the  head  to  one  side,  and  lower  the  open  hand. 
(Ballard.) 

Strike  the  other  hand  with  the  fist,  or  point  a  gun,  and,  having  shot, 
suddenly  point  to  your  breast  with  the  finger,  and  hold  your  head  side- 
wise  on  the  hand.  (Cross.) 

Use  the  closed  hand  as  if  to  strike,  and  then  move  back  the  head  with 
the  eyes  shut  and  the  mouth  opened.  (Hasenstab.) 

Put  the  head  down  over  the  breast,  and  then  move  down  the  stretched 
hand  along  the  neck.  (Larson.) 

In  battle,  To. 

Make  the  sign  for  Battle,  Fight,  then  strike  the  back  of  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  into  the  palm  of  the  flat  and  slightly  arched 
palm  of  the  left,  immediately  afterward  throwing  the  right  outward 
and  downward  toward  the  right.  (Ute  I.)  "Killed  and  falling  over." 

You ;  I  will  kill  you. 

Direct  the  right  hand  toward  the  offender  and  spring  the  finger  from 
the  thumb,  as  in  the  act  of  sprinkling  water.  (Long.)  The  conception 
is  perhaps  "causing  blood  to  flow,"  or,  perhaps,  "sputtering  away  the 
life,"  though  there  is  a  strong  similarity  to  the  motion  used  for  the  dis 
charge  of  a  gun  or  arrow. 


160 
Kind.    See  Good  heart. 

It  n  Mr. 

Hold  the  left  hand  clinched  near  the  mouth,  as  if  it.  held  one  end  of  a 
strip  of  meat,  the  other  end  of  which  was  between  the  teeth,  then  pass 
the  edge  of  the  right  hand  as  in  the  act  of  catting  obliquely  a  little 
upward  from  right  to  left  between  the  other  hand  and  month,  so  as  to 
appear  to  divide  the  supposed  meat,  (Lony.) 

Cut  past  the  mouth  with  the  raised  right  hand.  (Wied.)  I  have 
given  you  a  different  sign,  which  is  the  only  one  I  have  ever  seen. 
(Afatthewa.)  Although  the  signs  (Oto  and  Missouri  I,  and  Wietf*)  are 
different  in  their  execution  as  applied  to  local  parts,  the  same  conception 
pervades  each—"  something  used  to  sever  or  separate."  (Boteler.)  WietFa 
sign  probably  refers  to  the  general  practice  of  cutting  off  food,  as  much 
being  erammed  into  the  mouth  as  can  be  managed  and  then  separated 
by  a  stroke  of  a  knife  from  the  remaining  mass.  This  is  specially  the 
case  with  fat  and  entrails,  the  aboriginal  delicacies. 

Cut  the  sinister  palm  with  the  dexter  ferient  downward  and  toward 
one's  self:  if  the  cuts  be  made  upward  with  the  palm  downward,  meat 
is  understood.  (Burton.) 

Hight  hand,  palm  outward,  little  finger  representing  the  edge  of  a 
knife,  drawn  downward  across  palm  or  inside  of  left  hand.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left-hand  fist  (B)  held  six  or  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
back  outward,  as  though  holding  a  large  piece  of  meat  in  the  mouth, 
and  then  the  right  hand  with  the  back  outward,  fingers  extended,  joined, 
upright  (S),  is  passed  from  right  to  left  on  a  curve  between  the  mouth 
and  the  left  hand  as  though  cutting  the  piece  of  meat  in  two.  (Dakota  I.) 
•-  May  have  come  from  their  first  manner  of  using  the  knife  in  eating." 

Hold  the  left  fist,  back  outward,  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  the 
mouth,  and  move  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  backward,  fingers  point 
ing  obliquely  upward  toward  the  left,  obliquely  upward  and  downward 
from  side  to  side  behind  it.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Holding  a  piece  of  meat 
with  the  left  hand  and  the  teeth,  and  cutting  a  piece  off  with  a  knife." 

The  left  hand,  fully  opened,  with  the  fingers  close  together,  palm  up 
ward  and  finger  tips  to  the  front,  is  held  before  the  person.  Then  the 
right  hand,  also  fully  opened  and  with  fingers  not  spread  apart,  with 
the  palm  inward  and  the  thumb  upward,  is  laid  transversely  on  the 
left  palm— the  outer  edge  only  touching  the  left  palm.  Sometimes  the 
right  hand  is  then  drawn  away  once  to  the  right  with  a  motion  repre 
senting  a  cut.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


161 

The  left  arm  is  semi-extended,  and  the  left  hand,  in  position  (X  1), 
modified  by  being  edgewise  up  and  down.  The  right  arm  is  then  brought 
before  the  body,  and  the  hand,  in  position  (X),  horizontal,  is  made  to 
exert  a  carving  motion  at  the  knuckle  or  metacarpo-phalangeal  joints  of 
the  left  hand,  which  is  concluded  by  a  scooping  or  carving  movement. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  That  by  which  we  open  joints  and  cut  or  carve." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Imitate  the  act  of  whittling  with  one  fore 
finger  upon  the  other.  (BaUard.) 

Pass  one  forefinger  over  the  other  several  times.     (Hasenstab.) 
Skinning  Avith  a. 


The  hands  are  placed  as  in  the  sign  for  Kniie,  then  the  right  hand 
is  held  a  little  obliquely,  L  e.,  with  forearm  seini-prouated,  and  drawn, 
but  never  pushed,  across  the  left  palm  repeatedly,  advancing  a  little 
toward  the  finger-ends  with  each  strepe.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Hold  the  left  closed  hand,  palm  down,  a  short  distance  before  the 
body,  and  make  repeated  cuts  in  front  of  the  knuckles  with  the  flattened 
right  hand.  (Pai-  Ute  I.)  "  Represents  holding  a  flap  of  skin  and  sepa 
rating  it  from  the  body." 


To  kill  with  a. 


Clinch  the  right  hand  and  strike  forcibly  toward  the  ground  before 
the  breast  from  the  height  of  the  face.  (Ute  I.)  "Appears  to  have 
originated  when  flint  knives  were  still  used." 

Know.  ( Compare  Good  ;  Indecision  ;  Understand  and  Yes.) 

The  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  held  up  nearly  opposite  to  the 
nose,  and  brought  with  a  half  turn  to  the  right  and  carried  a  little  out 
ward.  Place  any  of  the  articles  [sic]  before  this  sign,  which  will  then 
signify,  I  know,  you  know,  he  knows.  Both  hands  being  made  use  of 
in  the  manner  described  implies  to  know  much.  (Dunbar.) 

Spread  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  the  right  hand,  sweep  toward 
the  breast,  moving  them  forward  and  outward,  so  that  the  palm  turns 
up.  ( Wied.)  The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  raised ;  the  hand  is  then 
brought  before  the  forehead  between  the  eyes  as  in  position  (I  1, 
modified  by  being  palm  outward  and  the  index  more  opened);  the 
hand  and  forearm  then  describe  a  quadrant  forward  and  downward. 
There  is  no  conceivable  similarity  between  this  sign  and  Wied's  as 
executed  and  it  is  probable  that  the  conceptions  are  likewise  of  differ 
ent  source  or  association.  This  same  sign  is  used  for  Knowledge  in  an 
abstract  sense.  (Boteler.)  "To  have  in  mind  or  utter  from  the 
mind." 

21 


162 

The  thumb  and  index-tinker  made  into  a  ring  and  passed  from  the 
month.  (Macgowan.) 

Thumb,  first  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  extended  (others  closed), 
horizontal,  backs  upward,  are  carried  from  the  natural  position  close  to 
and  in  front  of  the  body  as  high  as  the  mouth,  where  the  hand  is  carried 
with  a  curved  motion,  first  upward  and  outward,  and  then  downward 
to  the  level  of  the  stomach,  backs  of  the  fingers  looking  obliquely  down 
ward.  ( Dakota  I.)  "  I  have  heard  your  talk  and  know  what  you  say." 

The  right  index  and  thumb  fully  extended  and  spread,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed,  index  pointing  forward  and  a  little  to  the  left,  back  of 
hand  upward;  then  supinate  the  hand,  thrown  on  its  back  and  held 
alxMit  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Strike  the  left  breast  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger,  keeping  the 
other  fingers  closed.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Curve  three  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  touch  tip  of  middle 
finger  with  thumb,  extend  forefinger,  and  shake  hand  forward  and  down. 
(Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Same  as  the  preceding,  but  thumb  and  fingers  closed  instead 
of  ring  shape.  (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Curve  three^tingers  of  the  right  hand,  place  the  thumb 
over  their  middle  joints,  extend  the  index,  and  shake  forward  and  down 
ward  from  the  right  side  of  the  face.  (Omaha  I.) 

Spread  the  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  fully  apart,  remaining 
fingers  closed,  palm  toward  the  body,  and  move  the  hand  forward  and 
slightly  downward  and  a  little  to  the  right  from  below  the  chin  to  a  dis 
tance  of  eight  or  ten]  inches.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

hmf-mute  natural  signs. — Tap  the  forehead  slightly  with  the  hand. 
(Ballard.) 

Xod  and  point  to  the  forehead.     (Cross.) 

Put  the  open  hand  to  the  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  bend  down 
the  head.  (Larson.) 

Place  the  right  forefinger  on  the  forehead,  at  the  same  time  nod  the 
head  as  if  to  say  "yes."  (Zeigler.) 

All  the  ascertained  gestures  of  deaf-mutes  relating  to  intelligence  are 
connected  with  the  forehead,  on  which  we,  also,  rest  the  forefinger,  for 
show  of  thought. 

I  don't  know. 

First  place  the  fingers  in  the  position  for  Know ;  then  turn  the  right 


163 

I  x 

hand  upward  with  spread  fingers,  so  that  they  point  outward  toward 
the  right  side.     (  Wied.) 

Is  expressed  by  waving  the  right  hand  with  the  palm  outward  before 
the  right  breast,  or  by  moving  about  the  two  forefingers  before  the 
breast,  meaning  "two  hearts."  (Burton.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Know,  and  then  that  for  Not  or  No. 

(Dakota  I.)     "  Do  not  know  what  you  say.     Indecision,  doubt." 

Make  the  sign  for  I  Know ;  then  the  sign  for  No,  or  while  the 
fingers  are  in  position  for  I  Know  throw  the  hand  outward  as  for  No. 

(Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  the  hand,  in  type-position  (F),  is 
twisted  several  times  before  the  chest,  then  suddenly  everted  and  ex 
panded.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Not  screwed  up  or  posted  unaware." 

Make  the  sign  for  Know,  to,  and  throw  the  hand  to  the  right  as 
in  No,  Not.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  bosom,  meaning  the  speaker, 
place  the  hand  upon  the  forehead  and  then  move  the  hand  away. 
(Bollard.) 

Having  put  the  finger  to  your  breast,  point  to  the  forehead,  shaking 
your  head.  (Cross.) 

Put  the  stretched  hand  to  the  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  shake  the 
head.  (Larson.) 

Place  the  right  forefinger  on  the  forehead,  at  the  same  time  shake  the 

head  as  if  to  say  No.    (Zeigler.) 

» 

I  don't  know  you. 

Move  the  raised  hand,  with  tue  palm  in  front,  slowly  to  the  right  and 
lelt.  (Burton.) 

Lake,  Pond. 

Make  the  sign  of  Drinking1,  and  form  a  basin  with  both  hands. 
If  a  large  body  of  water  is  in  question,  wave  both  palms  outward  as  in 
denoting  a  plain.  (Burton.) 

Sign  for  "Water  followed  by  sign  for  Big  in  the  sense  of  Broad, 
Wide.  For  Pond,  make  sign  for  Lake  and  Little.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Water,  and  then  the  sign  for  Big  in  the 

sense  ot  Flat.    (Dakota  I.)     "Water  spread  out  or  level — not  running 
water." 


164 

Make  the  sign  for  "Water,  then  spread  and  slightly  flex  the  thumbs 
ami  forefingers,  and  hold  the  hands,  palms  inward,  near  together  or  far 
apart,  according  to  the  size  of  the  lake  referred  to.  (Dakota  IV.) 

After  making  the  sign  for  Water,  indicate  a  circle,  by  extending 
the  hands  horizontally,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  forefinger  and  thumb  of 
one  hand  to  join  those  of  the  other.  A  larger  circle  is  made  to  indicate 
a  large  lake  by  making  two  horizontal  semicircular  air  lines  with  the 
hands,  the  termini  of  the  lines  joining.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  xiyn*. — Make  a  circle  with  the  forefinger,  and  imi 
tate  the  act  of  drinking  to  signify  Water.  (Ballard.) 

Partly  open  your  mouth  with  the  head  held  back,  place  the  fingers  — 
arranged  in  such  a  manner  that  the  hand  looks  like  a  cup — to  it,  and 
then  suddenly  move  the  hand  horizontally  along  a  line  describing  an 
ellipse.  (Cross.) 

Lame. 

Eight-hand  fist  (B,  turned  downward)  in  front  of  the  body ;  make  the 
forward  arched  movements  in  imitation  of  the  walk  of  a  lame  person. 
(Dakota  I.)  u  From  a  lame  person's  manner  of  walking." 

Lance,  or  Spear. 

Is  shown  by  an  imitation  of  darting  it.    (Burton.) 

Hands  elevated  and  closed  as  though  grasping  the  shaft  of  a  lance, 
left  hand  before  right,  sudden  motion  made  from  the  left  shoulder 
diagonally  forward  (hands  being  carefully  retained  in  their  relative 
positions).  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Kight  hand  extended  in  front  on  a  level  with  the  shoulder,  as  though 
holding  a  spear  or  lance  in  position  to  U^B  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
throwing  of  a  spear." 

(1)  Point  to  tent-pole;  (2)  cut  off  left  forefinger,  with  right  index ;  (3) 
rub  it  with  the  latter  toward  its  tip  ;  (4)  place  tip  of  right  at  base  of  left 
index ;  (5)  thrust  both  forward.  (Apache  III.)  "  (1)  Shaft-  (2)  head  ;  (3) 
sharpens  it  to  point;  (4)  adjusted  head  to  shaft;  (5)  put  it  in  service." 

Large.    See  Great  and  Big1,  in  sense  of  Large. 

Laugh,  To.    Laughter. 

Place  the  hands  as  in  Heavy,  but  forward  from  each  side  of  the 
lower  jaw,  then  move  them  up  and  down  a  short  distance  rapidly,  the 
face  expressing  a  smile.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III ;  Apacliell:  Wich 
ita  II.) 


165 

Lazy. 

Lay  the  arched  right  hand  (H)  on  the  middle  of  the  upper  left  arm 
partially  extended  in  front  of  the  body,  back  of  hand  upward,  and  in  the 
same  manner  lay  the  left  hand  on  the  right  arm,  and  then  carry  both 
hands  upward  on  their  respective  sides  in  front  to  the  level  of  the  face, 
where  both  index-fingers  are  extended  and  point  upright  (J),  from 
whence  they  are  carried  slowly  downward  in  front  of  the  body  to  the 
level  of  the  stomach.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Lazy ;  no  good  with  the  arms  and 
hands." 

Deaf-mute  natural,  sign. — Having  extended  your  cheeks,  shake  your 
head,  implying  no,  and  then  compress  them  with  the  hands.  (Gross.) 

Lean.    Bee  Poor. 

Leaves  (of  trees). 

The  sign  for  Tree  must  be  made  first,  and  in  this  case  with  the  left 
hand.  Beginning  from  low  down  on  left  side,  with  fingers  and  thumb 
separated,  pointed  upward  (P),  move  the  hand  upward  till  it  reaches  a 
little  above  the  head ;  this  is  the  tree.  Eight  hand  in  position  (Cr)  is 
brought  to  touch  the  different  fingers  of  the  left  (which  are  the  branches) ; 
forefinger  and  thumb  describe  the  leaf,  and  is  made  larger  to  describe 
different  kinds  by  parting  the  thumb  and  finger  more  or  less.  The  sign 
for  Tree  alone  is  generally  made  with  the  right  hand.  (Cheyenne  II.) 

Make  a  tree  and  its  branches,  and  then  with  the  thumb  and  forefin 
ger  of  the  right  hand  describe  a  semicircle  with  the  free  ends  of  the 
thumb  and  finger  turned  downward  in  front  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.) 
"In  resemblance  ot  the  drooping  leaves  of  a  tree." 

Arms  are  extended  from  body  like  limbs  of  a  tree.  The  right  hand, 
in  position  (H"),  is  then  brought  to  left  in  position  (S)  modified  by  being 
horizontal  edgewise.  From  the  left,  arm  and  hand  still  extended,  the 
right  drops  successively  to  the  ground.  Autumn  is  represented  by  this 
sign,  following  the  sign  for  Sun.  (Oto  I.)  " Something  that  drops  from 
spreading  limbs  and  the  time  for  such." 

On  trees. 

Same  motion  of  right  hand  as  in  Tree,  with  the  left  hand  and  arm 
in  front  above  bead,  looking  up,  spread  the  fingers  which  were  bent 
downward.  Thumbs  nearly  touching,  shake  both  hands  sidewise  and 
up  and  down  quickly  in  imitation  of  aspen-leaf  motion.  When  the  tree 
is  near,  point  in  both  cases  to  the  tree  or  trees  with  the  finger.  ( Ojib- 
wa  IV.) 

Left-handed. 

The  left  hand  clinched  is  held  before  the  neck;  the  elbow  is  then 
brought  in  to  the  side,  at  the  same  time  giving  to  the  forearm  a  twist, 
so  as  to  bring  the  closed  palm  opposite  the  breast.  (Long.) 


166 

Simply  point  to  the  left  baud  with  the  extended  forefinger  of  the 
right.    (  Dakota  I.) 


Separate  the  thumb  ami  index-linger  of  each  hand,  and  draw  them 
upward  along  both  legs.  (Wied.)  I  have  described  his  sign  in  essen 
tially  the  same  terms;  but  as  for  the  sign  for  Coat,  I  say  the  fingers 
air  closed.  The  same  remarks  apply  in  one  case  as  in  the  other.  (,V«f- 
thrirx.)  Notwithstanding  the  indefinite  and  inexplicit  manner  in  which 
\Yn-tr*  sign  is  expressed,  there  is  evident  similarity  to  that  of  (Oto  and 
Missouri  1),  both  in  conception  and  movement.  (Boteler.) 

The  tip  of  the  thumb  of  each  hand  is  opposed  to  the  tip  of  one  or 
more  of  its  corresponding  fingers,  as  if  they  grasped  something  lightly. 
The  hands  are  then  held  a  few  inches  apart  on  the  anterior  aspect  of 
one  of  thr  thighs  as  low  down  as  they  can  reach  without  bending  the 
body  (the  finger-tips  nearly  or  quite  touching  the  limb),  and  are  then 
simultaneously  drawn  rapidly  upward  to  the  waist  to  represent  the 
motion  as  if  drawing  on  a  legging.  The  motion  may  be  repeated  on  the 
opposite  limb.  (Mtindan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  body  is  bent  forward  and  the  limbs  flexed  upward  and  adducted. 
Both  hands,  with  the  backs  arched  upward  and  the  thumb  points  in 
contact,  seemingly  encircle  the  leg  at  the  ankle,  and  are  drawn  toward 
the  body  over  each  leg  severally,  as  in  drawing  the  above  article  on. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  That  which  is  drawn  over  the  legs." 

Let  alone. 

Right-hand  palm  down,  arm  bent  at  elbow,  move  downward  by 
degrees  as  low  as  the  knees.  (Omaha  I.) 

Lie,  Falsehood. 

The  forefinger  and  middle  fingers  extended,  passed  two  or  three  times 
from  the  mouth  forward.  They  are  joined  at  the  mouth,  but  separate  as 
they  depart  from  it,  indicating  that  the  words  go  in  different  directions. 
(Long.) 

Pass  the  second  and  third  finger  of  the  right  hand  toward  the  left 
side  in  front  of  the  mouth.  (  Wied.)  My  description  is  much  to  the 
same  effect,  but  I  add  that  the  hand  is  moved  forward.  (Matthews.) 
Though  the  description  of  Wied?8  sign  is  condensed,  there  is  an  evident 
similarity  in  the  execution  and  conception  of  this  with  (Oto  I.)  (Boteler.) 
The  author  means  the  index  and  middle  finger  as  appears  from  other 
parts  of  his  list.  He  counts  the  thumb  as  the  first  finger.  —  [ED. 

i:\tend  the  two  first  fingers  from  the  mouth.  (Burton.)  "Double 
tongue  —  a  significant  gesture." 


1G7 

Pass  the  hand  from  right  to  left  close  by  and  across  the  mouth,  with 
the  first  two  fingers  of  the  hand  opened,  thumb  and  other  fingers 
closed.  (Dodge.) 

Thrust  the  fore  and  middle  finger,  extended  and  separated,  from  the 
mouth.  Literally  u  the  forked  tongue."  (Arapaho  I.) 

Eight-hand  fore  and  middle  fingers  placed  on  a  level  with  the  base 
of  the  chin,  first  knuckle  against  or  near  the  mouth;  thrust  forward 
and  to  the  left.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "  Speak  double,  with  two  tongues." 

If  the  two  forefingers  are  parted  and  moved  from  the  mouth,  like  the 
split  tongue  of  a  snake,  it  signifies  lying.  This  sign  is  adopted  in  the 
sign  language  of  all  the  Indians,  as  well  as  the  figure  from  which  it  is 
derived.  (Ojibwa  I.)  "  Speak  with  the  forked  tongue,  i.  <?.,  lie." 

Fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended  and  forked  (It  1, 
with  thumb  resting  on  third  finger)  passed  from  right  to  left  directly  in 
front  of  the  mouth.  (Dakota  I.)  "Double-tongued." 

Place  the  right  hand,  palm  inward  (toward  the  left),  just  in  front  of 
the  mouth ;  strongly  extend  the  index;  also  extend  the  middle  finger,  but 
bend  it  toward  the  palm  until  it  is  at  an  angle  of  45°  with  the  index; 
halt  close  the  ring  and  little  fingers,  thumb  against  ring  finger;  move 
the  hand  straight  forward  about  eight  inches;  or,  having  placed  the 
hand  with  its  back  forward,  move  the  hand  to  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"Two  tongues." 

Touch  the  region  of  the  heart  with  the  right  hand,  then  close  the 
hand,  extend  the  first  two  fingers,  passing  them  from  the  mouth  for 
ward.  (Dakota  V.) 

Spread  the  extended  index  and  second  finger  of  the  right  hand,  and 
pass  them,  palm  toward  the  body,  quickly  by  and  past  the  mouth  to  the 
left.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  extended  and 
separated;  then  pass  them  before  the  breast  from  right  to  left,  the 
fingers  pointing  in  that  direction  and  the  palm  toward  the  body. 
(Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  sign  is  like  that  for  True,  except  that  both  the  middle  and 
index  fingers  are  extended,  and  these  are  held  together  while  the  hand 
is  at  the  mouth,  but  they  diverge  as  the  hand  moves  forward.  (Mandan 
and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  arm  is  flexed  and  elevated  to  a  level  with  the  mouth.  The  hand 
is  in  position  (IV  1),  modified  by  being  horizontal  instead  of  vertical, 
with  palm  toward  the  face  and  first  two  fingers  separated.  From  incep- 


168 

tion  of  sign  at  right  side  of  face  the  hand  is  thrust  from  right  to  left 
across  the  mouth.  It  is  then  repeated  -with  other  hand  identically  the 
same  from  opposite  side  of  mouth.  Sometimes  both  index-fingers  are  used 
from  comers  of  mouth,  palm  outward,  and  made  to  thus  diverge  as  th.-y 
recede.  (Oto  I.)  "  Duplicity  or  double-tongued." 

Make  the  sign  for  Talk,  then  throw  the  right  fist  outward  and 
downward  toward  the  right  side,  and  snap  the  fingers  from  the  thumb, 
as  in  Bad.  (Wyandot  I.)  "Talk,  bad." 

After  pointing  at  i>erson  addressed,  the  hand  is  placed  in  front  of 
mouth,  back  toward  mouth  and  fingers  projecting  forward  (P  1,  with 
knuckles  upward).  Then  with  quick  motions  move  hand  two  or  three 
times  to  a  point  six  or  eight  inches  from  mouth,  as  though  casting  some 
thing  from  the  mouth.  Then  move  hand  to  side  of  mouth,  the  two 
first  fingers  only  extended  and  slightly  separated  (]\T  1,  changed  to  hori 
zontal  position  and  thumb  obliquely  extended),  and  past  the  mouth  to  a 
point  on  the  left.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "Words  double-tongued." 

Pass  the  right  hand  to  the  left  close  by  and  across  the  mouth,  with 
the  first  two  fingers  of  the  hand  opened,  thumb  and  other  fingers  closed. 
(Ptri-l'te  I.) 

With  tin-  third  and  fourth  fingers  of  the  right  hand  closed,  resting 
the  tips  of  the  first  two  fingers  against  the  ball  of  the  thumb,  place  the 
hand  in  front  of  the  chin  or  mouth,  and  while  moving  it  diagonally 
forward  and  to  the  left  let  the  fingers  snap  forward  from  the  thumb; 
rei>eat  this  two  or  three  times.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Double-tongued." 

Another:  Hold  the  index,  pointing  upward,  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
and  move  it  repeatedly  and  alternately  obliquely  forward  toward  the 
right  and  left.  The  index  and  second  finger  extended  and  separated, 
are  .sometimes  used  to  represent  extraordinary  lying.  (Ute  I.)  "Talk 
tw<»  ways." 

Sign  as  for  Truth,  but  make  the  motion  obliquely  and  alternately 
toward  the  left  and  right.  (Apache  I.) 

Hun  the  index  from  each  corner  of  the  mouth.     (Zuni  I.) 

Deaf  mutes  gesture  Truth  by  moving  one  finger  straight  from  the 
lips,  "straight-forward  speaking,"  but  distinguish  Lie  by  moving  the 
linger  to  one  side,  "sideways  speaking." 

Lie  down. 

Point  to  the  ground,  and  make  a  motion  as  if  lying  down.     (Burton.) 
The  sign  for  Sleep,  the  eyes  remaining  open.     (Arapaho  I.) 


169 

Only  differs  from  the  sign  for  Sleep  in  inclining  the  head  and  arms 
sidewise  (to  the  right)  toward  the  ground,  with  elbow  out  as  though 
used  as  a  support.  (Dakota  I.) 

Wave  the  hands  low  down,  palms  up  (X),  horizontally  and  laterally; 
Sleep.  (Apache  III.)  "  Suitable  place  to  lie  upon." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Place  the  hand  upon  the  cheek,  incline  the 
head  to  one  side,  and  then  lower  the  hand.  (Ballard.) 

Flat  where  you  are. 

Like  Down  and  Alone,  but  the  arm  is  extended  in  the  direction  of 
the  party  addressed,  with  palm  down,  and  moved  downward  several 
times.  (Omaha  I.) 

Life,  Living*. 

Eight-hand  forefinger  straight  upright,  others  closed  (J),  is  slowly 
raised  up  in  front  of  the  right  side  close  to  the  body,  as  high  above  the 
head  as  the  arm  can  be  extended.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Raised  up ;  coining 
up ;  growing  also." 

Light,  Daylight.    (Compare  Clear.) 

.Make  the  sign  of  the  sun  in  the  eastern  horizon,  and  then  extend  the 
hands  together,  with  the  palm  upward,  and  carry  them  from  each  other 
outward.  (Long.) 

Daylight  is  equivalent  to  Sunrise.   See  also  Glass.   (Dakota  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  extended  from  left  side  of  the  body  with  the  hand 
in  type  position  (1 1)  modified  by  the  index  being  a  little  more  extended. 
In  this  manner  the  left  hand  indicates  the  rising  sun.  The  hands  are 
now  approximated  at  fingers,  palms  before  the  face,  and  gradually  di 
verge-,  as  do  hanging  curtains.  The  hands  are  held  with  the  edges  in 
ward  and  outward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That  which  accompanies 
the  sun;  the  curtains  of  night  being  unfolded." 

Deaf  mute  natural  sign. — Move  the  outstretched  hands  apart  from  each 
other.  (Larson.) 

Light  (in  weight). 

Right  hand  horizontal,  back  downward,  fingers  extended  and  partially 
curved  upward,  is  carried  upward  by  easy  motion  in  front  of  the  body, 
with  arm  nearly  extended  and  as  though  the  hand  contained  some  light 
object.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Not  heavy  to  lift." 

Point  at  an  imaginary  object;  lift  it  with  one  hand,  easily  and  rapidly, 
high  above  head  (Y).     (Apache  III.) 
22 


170 

I  i- hi IHIIU.    (Compare  Thunder.) 

First  the  sign  for  Thunder;  then  open  or  separate  the  hands,  and 
lastly  bring  the  right  hand  down  toward  the  earth,  in  the  center  of  the 
opening  just  made.  (Dunbar.) 

Right  hand  elevated  before  and  above  the  head,  forefinger  pointing 
upward,  brought  with  great  rapidity  with  a  sinuous,  undulating  motion; 
finger  still  extended  diagonally  downward  toward  the  right.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 

As  thunder  and  lightning  generally  accompany  each  other,  there  is 
no  separate  sign  for  Lightning.  (Dakota  I.) 

Extend  the  index  straight  and  earthward,  raise  the  hand  to  the  height 
of  the  head,  and  pass  it  quickly  down  toward  the  ground  making  a  ro 
tary  movement  with  the  finger  in  doing  so.  (Apache  I.) 

Listen.    See  Hear. 

Little.    Small  amount.    See  Small,  also  None. 

Locomotive. 

Place  the  right  hand,  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  partially  curved 
upward  and  separated,  knuckles  outward,  in  front  of  the  breast,  and 
push  it  up  and  down  a  short  distance  while  moving  it  forward  (puffing 
smoke  and  forward  movement  of  engine) ;  then  place  both  hands  edge 
wise  before  the  chest,  palms  facing,  and  while  moving  the  left  but  a  few 
inches  forward,  pass  the  right  quickly  by  it  and  to  the  front  to  arm's 
length.  (Kaioica  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  Rapid 
motion  as  compared  with  anything  else." 

Lodge,  Tipi,  Wigwam. 

The  two  hands  are  reared  together  in  the  form  of  the  roof  of  a  house, 
the  ends  of  the  fingers  upward.  (Long.) 

Place  the  opened  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  opposite  each 
other,  as  if  to  make  a  circle,  but  leaving  between  them  a  small  interval; 
afterward  move  them  from  above  downward  simultaneously  (which  is 
the  sign  for  village) ;  then  elevate  the  finger  to  indicate  the  number — 
one.  ( Wied.)  Probably  he  refers  to  an  earthen  lodge.  1  think  that  the 
sign  I  have  given  you  for  "  skin  lodge"  is  the  same  with  all  the  Upper 
Missouri  Indians.  (Matthews.) 

Place  the  fingers  of  both  hands  ridge-fashion  before  the  breast. 
(Burton.) 

Indicate  the  outlines  (an  inverted  V,  thus  A),  with  the  forefingers 
touching  or  crossed  near  the  tips,  the  other  fingers  closed.  (Arapaho  I.) 


Both  hands  open,  lingers  upward,  tips  touching,  brought  downward, 
and  at  same  time  separated  to  describe  outline  of  a  cone,  suddenly 
stopped.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  both  hands  together  in  front  of  the 
breast,  with  the  wrists  some  distance  apart,  as  in  the  outlines  of  the 
letter  A.  (Dakota  V.) 

With  both  hands  flat  and  extended,  pointing  upward,  palms  facing, 
place  the  tips  of  both  together,  allowing  the  wrists  to  be  about  three  or 
four  inches  apart.  (ShoaJwni  and  Banak  I.)  "  Outline  of  lodge-poles 
with  covering." 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  placing  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  one 
against  those  of  the  other,  leaving  the  palms  or  wrists  about  four  inches 
apart.  (AbsaroJca  I ;  Wyandot  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "  From  its 
exterior  outline." 

Tip  Us  the  preferred  word  with  the  Sioux.  Wigwam  is  not  known. 
Both  hands  carried  to  the  front  of  the  breast  and  placed  V-shaped, 
with  the  palms  looking  toward  each  other,  edge  of  fingers  outward, 
thumbs  inward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  tipi." 

Cross  the  ends  of  the  extended  forefingers,  the  right  one  either  in  front 
or  behind  the  left,  or  lay  the  ends  together ;  rest  the  ends  of  the  thumbs 
together  side  by  side,  the  other  fingers  to  be  nearly  closed,  hands  nearly 
upright,  and  the  fingers  resting  against  each  other,  palms  inward.  (Da 
kota  IV.)  u  Eepresents  the  tipi  poles  and  the  shape  of  the  tipi." 

Fingers  of  both  hands  extended  and  separated  ;  then  interlace  them 
so  that  the  tips  of  one  hand  protrude  beyond  the  backs  of  those  of  the 
opposing  one;  hold  the  hands  in  front  of  the  breast,  leaving  the  wrists 
about  six  inches  apart.  (Dakota  VII ;  'Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  extended  hands,  with  finger  tips  upward  and  touching,  the  palms 
facing  one  another,  and  the  wrists  about  two  inches  apart,  are  held 
before  the  chest.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Place  the  tip  of  the  index  against  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  of  the  left 
hand,  the  remaining  fingers  and  thumbs  closed,  before  the  chests,  leaving 
the  wrists  about  six  inches  apart.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II  j  Wichita  II.)  "  Outline  of  lodge.  This  is  an  abbreviated  sign,  and 
care  must  be  taken  to  distinguish  from  to  meet,  in  which  the  fingers  are 
brought  from  their  respective  sides  instead  of  upward  to  form  gesture.'? 

Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  flat  extended  hands  together  before 
the  breast,  leaving  the  wrists  about  six  inches  apart.  (Kalowa  I ;  Co 
manche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 


172 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  fingers  slightly  separated  then  place 
the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  between  the  fingers  of  the  left  as  far  as 
the  second  joints,  so  that  the  fingers  of  one  hand  protrude  about  an 
inch  beyond  those  of  the  opposite ;  the  wrist  must  be  held  about  six 
inches  apart.  ( Kaioica  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  Out 
line  of  Indian  lodge  and  crossing  of  tent-poles  above  the  covering." 

Place  the  tips  of  the  spread  fingers  of  both  hands  against  one  an 
other,  pointing  upward  before  the  body,  leaving  a  space  of  from  four  to 
six  inches  bet ween  the  wrists.  (Pai-Ute  I.)  "Represents  the  boughs 
and  branches  used  in  the  construction  of  a  Pai-Ute  wik-i-up." 

Place  the  tips  of  the  two  flat  hands  together  before  the  body,  leaving 
a  space  of  about  six  inches  between  the  wrists.  (Ute  I.)  "Outline  of 
the  shape  of  the  lodge." 

Coining  out  of  a. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Lodge,  Entering  a,  only  the  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  point  obliquely  upward  after  passing  under  the  left  hand.  ( Dakota 
I.)  "Coming  out  from  undercover." 

Entering  a. 

The  left  hand  is  held  with  the  back  inward,  and  the  right  hand  also 
with  the  back  up  is  passed  in  a  curvilinear  direction  down  under  the 
other  side  of  it.  The  left  hand  here  represents  the  low  door  of  the  skin 
lodge  and  the  right  the  man  stooping  to  pass  in.  (Long.} 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  in  short  curves  under  the  left,  which  is  held 
a  short  distance  forward.  (  Wied.)  1  have  described  the  same  sign.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  pass  the  hand  more  than  once.  By  saying  curves,  he 
seems  to  imply  many  passes.  If  the  hand  is  passed  more  than  once  it 
means  repetition  of  the  act.  (Matthews.}  The  conception  is  of  the  stoop 
ing  to  pass  through  the  low  entrance,  which  is  often  covered  by  a  flap  of 
skin,  sometimes  stretched  on  a  frame,  and  which  must  be  shoved  aside, 
and  the  subsequent  rising  when  the  entrance  has  been  accomplished. 
In  the  same  tribes  now,  if  the  intention  is  to  speak  of  a  person  entering 
the  gesturer's  own  lodge,  the  right  hand  is  passed  under  the  left  and 
toward  the  body,  near  which  the  left  hand  is  held ;  if  of  a  person  enter 
ing  the  lodge  of  another,  the  left  hand  is  held  further  from  the  body  and 
the  right  is  passed  under  it  and  outward.  In  both  cases  both  hands  are 
slightly  curved  and  compressed. 

A  gliding  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  fingers  joined,  backs  up, 
downward,  then  ascending,  indicative  of  the  stooping  and  resumption 
of  the  upright  position  in  entering  the  same.  (Arapaho  I.) 

(I.)  Sign  for  Lodge,  the  left  hand  being  still  in  position  used  in  mak 
ing  sign  for  Lodge ;  (2)  forefinger  and  thumb  of  right  hand  brought 


173 

/ 

to  a  point  and  thrust  through  the  outline  of  an  imaginary  lodge  repre 
sented  by  the  left  hand.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Lodge,  then  place  the  left  hand,  horizontal  and 
slightly  arched,  before  the  body,  and  pass  the  right  hand  with  extended 
index-finger  underneath  the  left — forward  and  slightly  upward  beyond 
it.  (Dakota  V;  Abmroka  I;  Shoxhon-i  and  Banakl',  Wyandotl.) 

Left  hand  ("W),  ends  of  fingers  toward  the  right,  stationary  in  front 
of  the  left  breast ;  pass  the  right  hand  directly  and  quickly  out  from 
the  breast  under  the  stationary  left  hand,  ending  with  the  extended 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  pointing  outward  and  slightly  downward, 
joined,  palm  downward  flat,  horizontal  (liV).  (Dakota  I.)  "Gone under; 
covered." 

The  left  hand  palm  downward,  finger-tips  forward,  either  quite  ex 
tended  or  with  the  fingers  slightly  bent,  is  held  before  the  body.  Then 
the  right  hand  nearly  or  quite  extended,  palm  downward,  finger-tips 
near  the  left  thumb,  and  pointing  towards  it,  is  passed  transversely 
under  the  left  hand  and  one  to  four  inches  below  it.  The  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  point  slightly  upward  when  the  motion  is  completed.  This 
sign  usually,  but  not  invariably,  refers  to  entering  a  house.  (Mandan 
and  Hi  da  tea  I.) 

Place  the  slightly  curved  left  hand,  palm  down,  before  the  breast, 
pointing  to  the  right,  then  pass  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  in  a 
short  curve  forward,  under  and  upward  beyond  the  left.  ( TJte  I.)  "  Evi 
dently  from  the  manner  in  which  a  person  is  obliged  to  stoop  in  enter 
ing  an  ordinary  Indian  lodge." 

Moving  away  a. 

Hold  tne  hands  as  for  Lodge  and  push  them  forward  a  foot  or 
eighteen  inches.  ( Dakota  IV.) 

Moving  this  way  a. 

Hold  the  hands  as  in  the  sign  for  Lodge  and  draw  them  toward  you. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Taking  down  a. 

Make  the  sign  for  Lodge  and  quickly  throw  the  hands  outward,  at 
the  same  time  opening  all  of  the  fingers.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Great  council. 

Make  the  sign  for  Lodge ;  then  place  both  hands  somewhat  bentr 
palms  facing  about  ten  inches  apart,  and  pass  them  upward  from  the 
waist  as  high'  as  the  face.  (Hidatea  I ;  Arikara  I.) 


174 

Loiter.    To  gad,  dawdle. 

The  hand  is  held  as  in  the  sign  for  White-tailed  Deer,  but  the 
tip  of  the  index-finger  is  made  to  describe  lines  of  two  or  more  feet  in 
length  from  side  to  side,  and  to  do  this  the  whole  arm  must  be  moved. 
(Mandan  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Long,  in  extent.     See  Big  in  the  sense  of  Long. 
Long,  in  time.    See  Time. 

Look !  See ! 

Touch  the  right  eye  with  the  index  and  point  it  outward.     (Burton.) 

(1.)  Fore  and  middle  fingers  of  right  hand  extended,  placed  near  to 
the  eyes,  pointing  outward,  and  (2)  thrust  with  a  slight  downward 
curved  motion  quickly  forward  toward  the  object  to  be  seen  or  looked 
at.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Included  in  To  look,  Seeing,  with  the  addition  of  the  sign  for 
Attention  made  first.  (Dakota  I.) 

Look,  to.    Seeing. 

Fore  and  second  fingers  right  hand  (Uf)  brought  to  the  level  of  the 
«-\  rs,  extended  fingers  pointing  outward,  back  of  hand  upward,  hori 
zontal,  is  then  carried  directly  outward  on  the  same  level  with  a  slight 
to-and-fro  or  sidewise  motion  of  the  fingers.  Many  Sioux  Indians  use 
both  hands  in  making  this  sign  with  only  the  forefinger  of  each  extended. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Turning  the  eyes  in  looking." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  something  and  strain  theeye  toward 
it,  accompanied  by  an  expression  of  command.  (Ballard.) 

Tut  the  open  hand  on  the  shoulder,  or  the  hand,  or  the  arm  of  some 
body  (when  this  body  asks  what);  point  with  the  forefinger  of  the  other 
hand  to  something  valuable  to  look  at,  nodding  the  head,  so  as  to  cause 
him  to  look  at  it,  and  then  to  lift  up  the  eyes  toward  it.  (Hasenstab.) 

Keep  the  eyelids  more  open  than  usual,  and  then  put  the  forefinger 
toward  one  of  the  eyes  and  quickly  stretch  and  keep  it  in  a  straight 
line  from  the  same  eye.  (Larson.} 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  eye  and  then  point  with  it  as  if  to  point  to 
something.  (Zeigler.) 

Looking-glass.    See  mirror. 

Lo*t. 

The  right  hand  is  brought  in  front  of  breast,  palm  outward  (T,  with 
left  hand  palm  near  thumb  of  right),  right  is  moved  forward  at  the  same 


175 

time  the  left  is  moved  back  toward  right  shoulder  in  oblique  upward 
position  with  palm  to  right.  (Cheyenne  II.)  "The  right  is  the  object 
disappearing  from  view  till  lost.  The  left  obstructs  the  sight." 

Use  the  same  hand  aud  motions  as  in  Crazy,  describe  rapidly  en 
larging  circles,  then  reverse  motions  of  circles.  Point  in  different  di 
rections  and  again  repeat  the  circles  around  the  head  from  right  to  left, 
with  right  hand.  (Ojlbira  IV.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  flat,  with  the  palm  downward,  about  twelve  inches 
before  the  chest,  then  pass  the  right,  flat  and  extended,  forward  under 
the  left  and  upward  beyond  it,  toward  the  left.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II  j  Wichita-  II.) 

Love,  or  Affection. 

The  clinched  hand  pressed  hard  upon  the  breast.     (Long.) 
Pantomimic  embrace.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  closed,  right  slightly  above  the  left  and  brought  up  in 
front  of  and  a  slight  distance  from  the  breast,  and  hugged  to  middle  of 
breast,  left  hand  below  the  right.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "The  embrace." 

Same  as  Admiration.     (Dakota  I.) 

Cross  the  forearms  near  the  wrists  on  the  upper  part  of  the  chest, 
hands  closed,  backs  forward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Hug  both  hands  to  the  bosom  as  if  clasping  something  affectionately. 
( Wichita  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Kiss  your  hand  and  point  to  the  heart,  with 
a  happy  smile.  (Cross.) 

Italian  sign. — Place  the  open  hand  over  the  heart.     (Butler.) 

lUale  (applied  to  animals). 
Make  a  fillip  with  forefinger  of  right  hand  on  the  cheek.     (Dunbar.) 

Eight  hand,  back  upward,  forefinger  pointing  outward  and  upward, 
elevated  to  front  of  person,  and  motioned  once  or  twice  up  and  down. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Same  as  Male,  applied  to  man.  (Dakotal.)  "  From  the  male  organ 
of  generation." 

Applied  to  man. 

Right  hand  closed,  thrust  through  the  left  hand,  which  then  clasps 
the  wrists,  very  slight  up-and-down  motion  made.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  Right  hand  closed,  held  in  obliquely  erect  position,  left  hand 
loosely  clasping  it  and  rubbed  up  and  down  from  the  knuckles  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  forearm.  ( Cheyenne  I.) 


176 

Another-  Right-hand  lingers  and  thumb  brought  to  a  point  and 
t.nuTt  through  the  left  hand,  which  then  clasps  the  wrist  as  before; 
slight  upward  motion  made.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left-hand  forefinger  straight,  pointing  backward  and  upward  ;  fore- 
fingerVt  the  right  hand  laid  across  the  back  of  the  left,  seemingly  to 
and  lengthen  out  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


Sign  for  Squaw,  followed  by  that  of  Negative.    Also,  sign  for 
Ulale  applied  to  animals.     (Arapaho  I.) 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (of  which  the  others  are 
closed)  is  laid  in  the  crotch,  finger  pointing  downward,  back  c 
upward.     (Dakota  I.) 

.  _  .  Applied  to  man  and  animals. 

Deaf-mute  natural  «0».-Take  hold  of   the  pants,  at  the  same  time 
shake  them.     (Zeigler.) 


With  the  forefinger  of  the  right  band  extended,  and  the  hand  shut, 
describe  a  line,  beginning  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  and  passing  down 
the  middle  of  the  body  as  far  as  the  hand  conveniently  reaches,  holding 
tin-  hand  a  UK.  incut  between  the  lower  extremities.  (Dunbar.) 

A  finger  held  vertically.     (Long.} 

Elevate  the  index  finger  and  turn  the  hand  hither  and  thither. 
(  Wied.)  I  have  seen  only  the  sign  of  the  erect  finger  without  the  mo 
tions  to  which  he  refers.  (Matthews.}  The  turning  of  the  hand  hither 
and  thither  probably  was  to  convey  more  than  the  simple  idea  of  man. 
It  might  have  meant  only  one  man,  or  that  a  man  was  alone. 

A  finger  directed  toward  the  pubis.     (Macgoican.) 
}  \  old  the  index-finger  erect  before  the  face.     (Dodge.) 

Generally,  any  sign  as  a  Sioux,  a  Cheyenne,  etc.,  is  understood  to  re 
fer  to  the  male,  unless  the  sign  for  a  Squaw  or  Woman  follows.  (Ara 
paho  I.) 

Right-hand  palm  inward,  elevated  to  about  the  level  of  the  breast, 
forefinger  carelessly  pointing  upward,  suddenly  pointed  straight  up 
ward,  and  the  whole  hand  moved  a  little  forward,  at  the  same  time 
taking  care  to  keep  the  back  of  the  hand  toward  the  person  addressed. 
(Cheyenne  1.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  right  breast  with  the  forefinger 
extended,  straight  upright  (J),  with  the  back  of  the  hand  outward; 
move  the  hand  upward  and  downward  with  finger  extended,  etc.  This 


177 

is  general.    White  man  has  a  special  sign,  also  negro,  and  each  tribe 
of  Indians.     (Dakota  I.) 

First,  the  extended  right  index,  pointing  forward,  back  upward,  is 
to  be  placed  horizontally  in  front  of  the  privates,  or  a  little  higher,  and 
the  hand  suddenly  lowered  about  an  inch.  Then  carry  the  hand  (index 
still  extended)  to  the  right  and  upward  through  an  arc,  and  bring  it  up 
right  to  a  position  a  foot  or  so  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder,  its  back 
forward,  and  the  index  pointing  upward,  and  suddenly  move  it  forward 
an  inch  or  so.  While  making  these  movements  the  middle,  ring,  and 
little  fingers  are  to  be  closed  and  the  thumb  against  the  middle  finger. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "Male  one." 

Elevate  the  extended  index  before  the  right  cheek,  and  throw  the 
hand  forward,  keeping  the  palm  toward  the  body.  ( Dakota  VI.) 

Place  the  extended  index,  pointing  upward  and  forward,  before  the 
lower  portion  of  the  abdomen.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  right  hand  in  the  position  of  an  index-hand,  pointing  upward,  is 
held  a  few  inches  in  front  of  the  abdomen  or  chest,  the  outer  edge  of 
the  hand  being  usually  forward.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  and  the  hand,  in  type  position  (S  1,  horizon 
tal),  is  drawn  across  before  the  body  on  a  level  with  the  shoulder. .  The 
right  arm  is  then  raised  and  extended  before  the  body  with  the  hand,  in 
position  (J  1),  more  stiffly  extended.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "A  being 
with  projecting  sexual  organ." 

Eaise  the  closed  hand,  with  the  index  only  extended  and  elevated, 
pointing  upward  to  the  front  of  the  right  breast  (cheek  or  shoulder) 
keeping  the  back  of  the  hand  to  the  front.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Gomanche  III ; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

The  forefinger  of  either  hand  is  brought  before  the  body,  pointing  up 
ward.  (Pai  Ute  I.) 

Pass  the  extended  right  hand  downward,  forward  and  upward  from 
the  hip,  then  lay  the  extended  forefinger  across  the  back  of  the  right 
wrist.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Male  genital  organ  and  length  of." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Put  the  hands  on  the  legs  and  draw  the 
hands  up,  in  imitation  of  the  act  of  putting  on  a  pair  of  pantaloons. 
(Bailor  d.} 

Stretch  up  the  open  hand  over  the  head,  indicating  the  general  height 
of  the  man ;  next  use  both  hands  as  if  to  stroke  the  beard  or  the  mus 
tache,  and  then  nod  the  head.  (Hasenstab.) 

Make  the  motion  of  taking  the  hat  from  the  head.     (Larson.) 
23 


178 

Old.    (Compare  Old.) 

Hold  the  right  hand,  bent  at  elbow,  fingers  and  thumb  closed  side- 
wise.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "Old  age  dependent  on  a  staff."  It  is  made  more 
emphatic  by  a  tottering  step. 

Place  the  right  extended  index,  pointing  forward,  back  upward,  hori 
zontally  in  front  of  the  privates,  and  suddenly  lower  the  hand  about  an 
inch,  as  for  Han;  then  move  the  right  first,  its  back  outward,  from 
twelve  indies  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  forward  and  backward  two 
or  three  times  about  a  foot,  describing  an  ellipsis  perpendicular  to  the 
ground.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Progression  of  a  man  with  a  staff." 

Place  the  closed  right  hand  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbow,  leav 
ing  the  index  curved  and  pointing  toward  the  ground.  If  the  man  is 
very  aged,  cause  the  hand  to  tremble  at  the  same  time  the  gesture  is 
made.  (Dakota  VII.) 

Kight  hand  closed,  forefinger  slightly  curved,  hand  held  before  the 
body  or  right  hip,  palm  down,  allawing  the  forefinger  to  droop  toward 
the  ground.  (Comanchc  II.)  "  Form  a  position  of  the  flaccid  glaus  pe 
nis  of  an  old  man.'' 

Close  the  right  hand,  pointing  forward  from  the  body,  palm  down, 
thru  partly  extend  the  index,  the  tip  pointing  toward  the  ground; 
the  lower  the  hand  is  held  and  the  more  the  index  is  crooked,  the  greater 
the  age  of  the  individual.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Curved  and  flaccid  glans  penis  of 
an  aged  individual." 

Touch  teeth;  make  the  sign  tor  Negation;  touch  hair;  touch  white 
tent.  [tic].  (Apache  III.)  "Toothless,  and  white  haired." 

Young. 

With  the  right  hand,  index  only  extended,  place  the  hand  a  short  dis 
tance  in  front  of  the  hip  at  the  height  of  the  elbow,  pointing  upward  at 
an  angle  of  about  20°,  palm  to  the  left,  (Comanche  II.)  "  Tendency  of 
erection  in  a  young  man." 

Marching.    See  Going. 
Marriage. 

There  is  no  marriage  ceremony  with  the  Sioux  Indians,  and  conse 
quently  no  sign  designating  "marriage,"  and  it  can  only  be  expressed 
by  Companion.  (Dakota  I.) 

Married,  to  marry.    (Compare  Same,  Similar.) 

The  hands  are  placed  in  front,  the  arms  pronated,  and  the  extended 
forefingers  (the  others  being  flexed)  are  placed  in  contact  side  by  side. 
(Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


179 

Close  both  hands,  except  the  two  forefingers,  and  place  them  side  by 
side,  pointing  forward,  in  front  of  the  breast.  (Iroquois  I.)  This  sign 
expresses  mated,  also  husband  or  wife. 

Bring  the  two  forefingers  side  by  side,  hands  pronated.     (Zuiii  I.) 

Italian  sign. — Pretend  to  put  a  ring  on  the  ring  finger,  or  lay  the  two 
forefingers  together  side  by  side;  yet  this  last  is  more  commonly  used 
of  any  union  or  harmony.  (Butler.) 

Match. 

As  though  striking  a  match  on  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  held  in  front' 
of  breast,  with  the  right  hand.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  striking 
a  match." 

Hold  the  left  hand  before  the  body,  extended  and  pointing  toward 
the  right,  palm  down,  then  place  the  tip  of  the  thumb  of  the  right 
hand  against  the  index  and  second  finger  and  pass  them  quickly  along 
the  inner  edge  of  the  left  hand  from  the  wrist  forward  as  if  lighting  a 
match.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  Ij  Ute  I; 
Apache  I,  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Uleclicine.     (Compare  Doctor.) 

Carry  the  right  hand  in  position  as  though  holding  a  bottle  in  front 
of  the  mouth,  and  then  tip  it  up  as  though  drinking  from  the  bottle. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Drinking  medicine  from  a  bottle." 

The  left  hand  with  the  arm  semi-extended  is  held  with  the  back 
upward  before  the  body.  The  extended  index  of  the  right  hand 
then  rubs  on  the  back  of  the  left,  as  the  mixing  of  medicine  on  a  pill- 
tile.  Both  hands  with  the  fingers,  as  in  (Q),  are  then  held  tremblingly 
before  the  body's  sides.  The  extended  indices  next  compress  the  tem 
ples  and  the  countenance  assumes  an  appearance  of  distress.  For 
medicine  to  induce  sleep,  quiet  cough,  check  flow  of  blood,  or  purge, 
the  signs  appropriate  to  the  latter  conditions  or  words  are  conjoined. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Something  stirred  up  for  inward  distress." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Use  the  sign  for  Sick,  111,  and  then  the 
sign  for  Drink.  (Zeigler.) 

In  Indian  sense.     (Compare  Indian  Doctor,  Shaman.) 

Stir  with  the  right  hand  into  the  left,  and  afterward  blow  into  the 
latter.  ( Wied.)  There  is  a  similarity  in  the  execution  of  the  (Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I)  sign  and  Wied's  sign.  The  stirring  in  the  left  instead  of  on  its 
back  as  in  the  former  may  be  a  matter  of  caprice.  It  is  probable  that  the 
conclusive  blowing  into  the  hand  in  the  latter  is  to  add  mystery,  as  in 
the  magician's  trick.  (Boteler.)  All  persons  familiar  with  the  Indians 
will  understand  that  the  term  "  medicine,"  foolishly  enough  adopted  by 


180 

both  French  and  English  to  express  the  aboriginal  magic  arts,  has  no 
therapeutic  significance.  Very  few  even  pretended  remedies  were  ad 
ministered  to  the  natives  and  probably  never  by  the  professional 
shaman,  who  worked  by  incantation,  often  pulverizing  and  mixing  the 
substances  mystically  used,  to  prevent  their  detection.  The  same  mix 
tures  were  employed  in  divination.  The  author  particularly  mentions 
Mamlan  ceremonies,  in  which  a  white  u medicine"  stone,  as  hard  as 
pyrites,  was  produced  by  nibbing  in  the  hand  snow,  or  the  white  feath 
ers  of  a  bird.  The  blowing  away  of  the  disease,  considered  to  be  intro 
duced  by  a  supernatural  power  foreign  to  the  body,  was  a  common  part 
of  the  juggling  performance. 

The  right  index  is  pointed  toward  the  ground  in  several  different  di 
rections  in  front  of  the  body,  and  then  the  other  fingers  and  thumb  are 
extended,  and  the  hand  carried  from  the  median  line  of  the  body  with 
a  gradually  decreasing  spiral  motion  to  directly  over  the  head,  where 
the  hand  points  upright,  edge  of  hand  toward  the  front.  (Dakota  I.) 
••  Mysterious,  hence  sac-red ;  power  of  herbs  over  disease." 

V|<  <H<  im   JIaii.     *  It. 'tin  ail.    (Compare  Doctor.) 

This  double  sign  is  made  with  the  right  hand,  describing  man  first, 
living  hand  up  to  front  of  right  shoulder,  forefinger  straight  upright 
(J,  palm  inward);  move  forward,  then  bring  it  up  front  of  face  with  first 
and  second  fingers  straight  and  upward,  separated  (IV,  palm  inward). 
Then  make  three  or  four  moves  in  a  circle  with  the  hand  in  that  position. 
The  arm  is  not  necessarily  moved,  only  the  hand  from  wrist  up.  (Chey 
enne  U.)  "The  medicine  sign  as  made,  supposed  to  represent  singing 
and  shaking  the  wand  in  incantations." 

Make  shaking  and  short  jerking  motions  of  the  body,  with  arms  and 

hands  jerking  and  fingers  pointing  to  and  around  head,  neck,  and  body, 

with  wild  gestures  and  distorted  features,  also  short  quivering  steps, 

the  toes  scarcely  leaving  the  ground,  and  wild  shakes  of  the  head. 

Ojilnrn  IV.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Dakota  Indians  (See  TRIBAL  SIGNS),  (or  any 
other  tribe,  as  may  be  desired),  then  the  sign  for  Man,  and  then  the 
right  hand  with  fore  and  index  fingers  extended,  pointing1  upward,  others 
closed  (IV),  is  carried  from  the  partially  extended  position  of  the  hand 
on  completing  the  sign  for  Man,  upward,  with  a  spiral  motion,  directly 
above  the  head.  (Dakota  I.) 

With  its  index-finger  extended  and  pointing  upward,  or  all  the  fingers 
extended,  back  of  hand  outward,  move  the  right  hand  from  just  in  front 
of  the  forehead,  spirally  upward,  nearly  to  arm's  length,  from  left  to  right, 
in  the  opposite  direction  to  the  sign  for  Fool  and  Crazy.  (Dakota  IV.) 


181 
/ 

Elevate  aiid  rotate  the  extended  index  before  the  forehead.  (Da 
kota  VI ;  Hiclatm  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

Rub  the  right  cheek  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  extended  fingers 
of  the  right  hand,  then  rub  the  back  of  the  closed  left  hand  with  the 
index  and  second  fingers  of  the  right,  and  conclude  by  holding  the  left 
hand  before  the  face,  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  extended  and 
separated,  pass  it  upward  and  forward  before  the  face,  rotating  it  in 
so  doing,  the  rotation  occurring  at  the  wrist.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Point  to  herbs  or  plants  at  a  short  distance  from  the  body ;  imitate 
the  pounding  up  of  the  same  in  a  vessel  with  the  right  hand,  using  the 
left  as  if  holding  one,  then  make  the  sign  of  to  Eat.  (Apache  I.)  "  The 
preparation  of  plants  or  herbs  for  internal  administration." 

Meet,  To.     (Compare  Lodge.) 

Bring  the  extended  forefingers  from  either  side,  allow  the  tips  to 
come  together  before  the  body,  keeping  the  wrists  about  six  inches 
apart.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Melon. 

Fingers  of  the  right  hand  separated  and  curved;  place  the  palm  about 
ten  or  twelve  inches  from  the  ground,  fingers  pointing  forward,  and  pass 
it  forward  in  an  upward  curve,  corresponding  to  the  elongated  and  con 
vex  form  of  a  melon.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III;  Ute  I;  Apache  I,  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Jlercy. 

Extend  both  forefingers,  pointing  upward,  palms  toward  the  breast, 
and  hold  the  hands  before  the  chest;  then  draw  them  inward  toward 
their  respective  sides,  and  pass  them  upward  as  high  as  the  sides  of  the 
head  by  either  cheek.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

On  another,  To  have. 

Hold  both  hands  nearly  side  by  side  before  the  chest,  palms  forward, 
forefinger,  only  extended  and  pointing  upward ;  then  move  them  for 
ward  and  upward,  as  if  passing  them  by  the  cheeks  of  another  person 
fiom  the  breast  to  the  sides  of  the  head.  (Kaiowa  1;  Comanche  III ; 
Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Mexican.    (See  also  TRIBAL  SIGNS.) 

Right  hand  (V),  back  outward,  is  held,  with  fingers  pointing  down 
ward,  at  the  chin.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  wearing  of  a  beard.  The 
Sioux  say  the  Mexicans  are  the  only  Indians  that  wear  a  beard." 

Move  the  right  hand  in  a  small  circle  from  right  to  left  beneath  the 
chin,  palm  upward,  fingers  semlflexed,  thumb  against  index.  (Dakota 
IV.)  "  From  the  beard  on  the  chin  of  the  first  they  saw." 


182 

Place  the  right  hand  about  three  inches  below  the  chin,  wrist  toward 
the  neck  and  knuckles  forward,  palm  up,  curve  the  spread  fingers  and 
rhumb  so  that  the  tips  are  all  directed  to  one  point;  then  work  tlu> 
fingers  and  thumb  at  the  second  joints  as  if  scratching,  but  keep  the 
palm  motionless.  (Kaiowa  I;  Gomanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
••  Whiskers." 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  across  the  cheeks  and  chin  from  ear  to  ear 
and  from  left  to  right.  (  Ute  I.) 

Extend  thumbs  and  forefingers  widely  about  head,  a  few  inches  from 
the  head.  (Apache  III.)  "Who  wear  hats  with  moderately  broad 
brims." 

Mine,  My  property.    See  Possession. 

Mirror. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  held  before  the  face,  the  fingers  pointing 
upward, 


Place  both  palms  before  the  face,  ami  admire  your  countenance  in 
them.  (Iturton.) 

Right  hand  (S)  held  in  front  of  the  face,  hand  and  head  turned  as 
though  looking  at  different  parts  of  the  face.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
use  of  a  looking-glass." 

The  erect  extended  right  hand,  palm  backward,  is  held  before  the 
face,  at  about  the  distance  a  mirror  would  be  held,  and  the  gazo  is 
directed  toward  the  palm.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  and  semi-extended  ;  the  hand  is  then  in  posi 
tion  (W),  modified  by  being,  palm  up,  held  before  the  face  ami  the  eyes 
intently  directed  as  looking  therein.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  ordi 
nary  hand-mirror  used  among  the  Indians." 


l)«if-mute  natural  .s/flw.—  Outline  the  shape  of  a  mirror  with  the  two 
tin-  forefingers  in  the  air,  then  place  the  hand  before  the  face  and  fix 
eye  upon  it.  (Ballard.) 

Miser  (a  griping  man).    (Compare  Penurious.) 

Italian  signs.—  Italians  express  this  idea  by  a  doubled  fist,  with  the 
fingers  curled  very  close  in  the  palm  ;  also  with  the  fist  drawn  firmly 
toward  one,  with  fingers  spread  like  claws  and  clutching.  (Butler.) 

.Modesty. 

Italian  sign.—  Cover  the  eyes  with  the  fingers  of  one  hand  drawn 
apart.  (Butler.) 


Ifloney  (metallic). 

With  the  right  hand  point  downward  toward  a  piece  of  metal,  and 
then  carry  it  to  the  left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  body  horizontally,  with 
palm  upward  (X)  as  though  putting  the  piece  of  metal  in  it,  and  then 
with  the  edge  of  the  fingers  of  the  closed  right  fist  (A  1)  pound  in  the 
palm  of  the  left.  (Dakota  I.)  "This  is  shaping  the  metal  into  coins." 

-  Paper. 

Point  to  a  piece  of  paper  with  the  right  hand,  and  then  with  it  make 
the  sign  for  Writing  over  the  left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast, 
with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  describing  a  semicircle,  with  the  free  ends 
pointing  downward,  other  fingers  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  "  This  indicates 
money  with  writing  on  it." 

jfloon  or  Month. 

The  thumb  and  fingers  are  elevated  toward  the  right  ear.  This 
sign  is  generally  preceded  by  the  sign  for  Night  or  Darkness. 

(Dunbar.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Sim,  after  having  made  that  for  Night.     (  Wied.) 

Combine  signs  for  Night  and  Sun.  To  distinguish  from  the  stars 
or  a  star,  indicate  relative  apparent  sizes.  (Arapaho  I.) 

The  right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  thumb  and  index  extended,  but 
curved  to  form  a  half  circle,  and  hold  the  hand  toward  the  sky  nearer 
the  eastern  horizon  than  zenith.  (AbsaroJca  I  ;  Hidatsa  I  ;  Wyandot  I  ; 
Arikara  I  ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I  ;  Ute  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Night,  and  then  the  sign  for  the  Sun. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Night  sun  or  luminary." 

First  make  the  sign  for  Moon,  and  then  the  right  index  is  held 
upright  in  front  of  the  body  to  indicate  one.  (Dakota  I.) 

Same  as  for  Sun,  but  instead  of  the  sign  for  Day  make  the  one 
for  Night.  For  Quarter-moon  and  Half-moon  the  ends  of  the 
index  and  thumb  are  kept  about  four  inches  apart.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Same  as  for  Sun,  except  that  the  tips  of  the  finger  and  thumb, 
instead  of  being  opposed,  are  approximated  so  as  to  represent  a  cres 
cent.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Extend  the  curved  index  and  thumb  so  as  to  form  a  crescent,  close 
the  remaining  fingers,  and  raise  the  hand  toward  the  sky,  with  the  outer 
edge  of  the  hand  forward.  (Kaiowa  I  ;  Comanche  III  ;  Apache  II  ;  Wi 
chita  II.) 


index  and  thumb  are  curved  so  as  to  form  a  half  circle,  the  remain 
ing  fingers  closed.     (Apache  I.) 


184 

Make  a  cresent  with  thumb  and  index,  project  it  toward  the  western 
horizon,  and  by  successive  jerks  carry  the  same  to  zenith.  (Apache  III.) 
"  Xew  moon  first  seen  above  western  horizon,  seen  each  night  succes 
sively  higher  toward  zenith." 

Deaf-mute  natural  siyn.— Move  the  hand  in  a  curved  line  from  the 
setting  to  the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  turn  the  forefinger,  outstretched, 
around  and  around  like  a  wheel.  (Larson.) 

New. 

Close  tlm  right  hand,  extend  and  curve  the  index  and  thumb  so  that 
tlirv  t'orin  a  half  circle  ;  then  hold  the  hand  toward  the  eastern  horizon. 

I.) 

Full. 

Reach  out  both  arms  as  if  hugging  a  tree,  then  make  the  sign  for 
.11 0011.  (Utel.) 

Make  a  crescent  with  thumb  and  index,  project  same  to  western  hori- 
horizon,  and  by  several  successive  jerks  from  west  to  east  change  crescent 
to  circle ;  hold  at  eastern  horizon ;  retrograde  toward  the  west  with  a 
few  less  distinct  jerks.  (Apache  III.)  "Apparent  lunar  course." 

-  Month. 

Sign  for  Vlooii.  and  passed  across  the  heavens  from  east  to  west. 
(Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  siym. — Make  a  zigzag  motion  in  the  air  with  the 
forefinger.  (Kallard.) 

Move  the  finger  in  a  zigzag  way.     (Larson.) 
More.    See  Add. 
Morning.    See  East. 
Mother.    See  Relationship. 
Mountain*-    (Compare  Hill.) 

Outline  its  projection  against  the  sky  with  the  hand,  to  which  may  be 
added  sign  for  High— as' a  kill.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  (A  1)  to  the  left  side  on  level  of  the  face  is  drawn  in  front 
of  the  fa<ie  to  the  right  side  on  the  same  level,  where  it  is  held  for  a 
moment.  (Dakota  I.)  "A  height  or  mountain  directly  in  front." 

Strike  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  back  of  the  right  fist,  palm 
of  left  hand  backward;  close  the  left  hand,  turning  its  Uack  outward, 
and  raise  the  right  fist  two  feet  above  it,  and  then  make  the  sign  for 
Large.  (Dakota  IV.) 


185 
/ 

Place  both  hands,  flat  and  extended,  thumb  to  thumb,  with  palms 
downward,  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  head ;  then  pass  them  outward 
and  downward  toward  their  respective  sides,  describing  the  upper  half 
of  a  circle,  and  bring  them  back  to  the  point  of  starting.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  left  hand  edgewise  before  the  face,  thumb 
resting  on  the  forefinger,  back  forward,  finger  tips  pointing-toward  the 
right,  (Utel.) 

Hold  both  hands  up  before  the  body  as  if  molding  a  mountain;  thrust 
hand,  on  edge,  downward  over  other  hand  in  several  directions.  (Apache 
III.)  "  Canons  down  its  sides." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Use  one  hand  so  as  to  represent  a  plane 
inclined  upward,  and  move  the  other  hand  over  and  above  it.  (Ballard.) 

Move  the  outstretched  hand  obliquely.     (Zeigler.) 


Divide. 


Hold  the  left  hand  flat,  and  extended  before  the  face,  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  right,  the  tip  of  the  thumb  slightly  turned  upward;  then 
with  the  extended  index  indicate  the  gap  over  the  left  palm  against  the 
base  of  the  upturned  joint  of  the  thumb,  allowing  the  index  to  go  down 
upon  the  back  a  short  distance.  (Apacfye  I.) 

Pass. 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  left  hand  edgewise  before  the  body,  elevate 
the  thumb,  thus  forming  a  crotch;  then  pass  the  index,  pointing  over 
the  left  hand,  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger,  from  the  palmar  side 
down  over  the  back.  ( Ute  I.) 

liauge. 

Make  the  sign  for  Mountain,  holding  the  hand  at  various  points 
continuously  toward  the  horizon.  (Utel.)  "  Mountain,  and  continua 
tion  of,  along  the  horizon." 

Hove,  To. 

The  only  difference  from  JUarching,  Traveling,  consists  in 
reversing  the  direction  of  the  arched  movements  of  the  hands,  bringing 
them  toward  the  body  instead  of  carrying  them  from  the  body.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "  Moving  toward  you." 

IHiich.    See  Quantity. 

ittml. 

Both  fists  pushed  alternately  downward  to  the  ground  several  times. 
(Raiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.)     "  Horse's  feet," 
24 


186 

Jlule,  or  Ass. 

Hold  the  open  hands  high  beside  the  head,  and  move  them  from  back 
to  front  several  times  like  wings.  (Wied.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use. 
(Matthews.) 

To  denote  the  mule  or  ass  the  long  ears  are  imitated  by  the  indices 
on  l>oth  sides  and  above  the  head.  (Burton.) 

Both  hands,  fingers  and  thumbs  brought  to  a  point,  placed  by  the 
side  of  the  head,  hollows  forward,  moved  slightly  backward  and  for 
ward.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  hands  (T)  at  their  respective  sides  of  the  head  make  movements 
resembling  the  flopping  of  the  mule's  ears.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
mule's  habit  of  flopping  his  ears." 

Move  the  opened  upright  hands  back  and  forth  several  times  above 
the  ears.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  both  flat  and  extended  hands  to  either  side  of  the  head,  the 
wrists  as  high  as  the  ears,  then  rock  the  hands  to  and  fro  several  times, 
movement  being  made  at  the  wrists.  ( Ute  I;  Apache  I.)  "  Large  ears." 

Murder. 

Italian  sign. — Push  the  thumb  against  the  heart  with  a  stern  look. 
(Butler.) 

.11  ute. 

Place  the  extended  and  joined  fingers  of  the  right  hand  over  the 
closed  lips.  (Kaioical;  Vomanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

A  <  .1  r  or  Soon. 

The  hands  are  brought  before  the  body  both  in  type  position  (H  1)» 
modified  by  the  fist  being  a  little  more  closed  and  the  index  a  little  more 
extended ;  the  points  of  indices  then  touch  and  are  rotated  together. 
Speaking  of  near  future,  the  rotary  movement  forward  is  executed. 
(Oto  I.)  <l  Approaching  contact." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Move  the  forefinger  from  here  to  there  a 
short  distance.  (Ballard) 

Use  the  sign  for  Small,  at  the  same  time  point  with  the  forefinger  as 
if  to  something  at  the  feet  and  then  to  something  at  a  short  distance. 
(Zeigler.) 

Negro.    (Compare  TRIBAL  SIGNS.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  White  Ulan,  then  rub  the  hair  on  the  right 
side  of  the  head  with  the  flat  hand.  ( Wied.)  The  present  common 
sign  for  "black"  is  to  rub  or  touch  the  hair,  which,  among  Indians, 
is  almost  universally  of  that  color. 


Place  the  left  forearm  transversely  before  the  body,  hand  extended, 
flat,  palm  down,  then  pass  the  flat  right  hand  downward  from  the  lower 
portion  of  the  breast,  forward  and  upward  (forming  a  curve);  then  in 
dicate  any  object  that  has  a  black  color.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  Literally — born  black." 

Make  the  sign  for  W^hite  fl:i  n.  then  point  at  a  black  object,  or 
rub  along  the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  fingers  of  the  right  (for 
black).  (Dakota  IV.) 

Touch  the  hair  with  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  then  rub  the 
thumb  and  middle  finger  together  as  if  snapping  them.  Kinky  hair. 

(Wyandotl.) 

Sweep  the  hand  over  the  hair  (W);  gather  it  up  in  finger-tips  (U, 
with  thumb  advanced  to  finger-tips).  (Apache  III.) 

Another:  Sweep  the  hand  over  the  face;  then  touch  some  black 
object.  (Apache  HI.)  "(1)  Kinky  hair.  (2)  Black  face." 

Grasp  the  hair  between  the  thumb  and  index,  rolling  it  several  times 
between  them.  (Wichita  I.) 

Might. 

The  two  hands,  open  and  extended,  crossing  one  another  horizontally. 

(Dunbar.) 

The  head,  with  the  eyes  closed,  is  laterally  inclined  for  a  moment 
upon  the  hand.  As  many  times  as  this  is  repeated,  so  many  nights  are 
indicated.  Very  frequently  the  sign  of  the  Sim  is  traced  over  the 
heavens,  from  east  to  west,  to  indicate  the  lapse  of  a  day,  and  precedes 
the  motion.  (Long.) 

Move  both  hands,  open  and  flat — that  is  horizontal — backs  up,  and  in 
small  curves  in  front  of  the  breast  and  over  one  another.  (  Wied.)  This 
I  believe  to  be  primarily  the  sign  for  darkness,  secondarily  for  night. 
Night,  as  a  period  of  time,  is  more  commonly,  I  think,  indicated  by  the 
sign  for  sleep.  (Matthews.)  The  Prince  of  Wied's  sign  differs  from  -the 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I)  in  execution  and  conception,  one  representing  the 
course  of  the  cause  (sun),  the  other  the  effect,  obscurity,  or  night.  "  The 
time  or  day  that  the  sun  moves  beneath  us  when  we  sleep."  (Boteler.) 
The  conception  is  covering  and  consequent  obscurity.  In  the  sign  for 
Day  by  the  same  author  he  probably  means  that  the  hands,  palms  up, 
were  moved  apart,  to  denote  openness. 

Make  a  closing  movement  as  if  of  the  darkness  by  bringing  together 
both  hands  with  the  dorsa  upward  and  the  fingers  to  the  fore.  The 
motion  is  from  right  to  left,  and  at  the  end  the  two  indices  are  along 
side  and  close  to  each  other.  This  movement  must  be  accompanied  by 


188 

bending  forward  with  bowed  head,  otherwise  it  may  be  misunderstood 
for  the  freezing  over  of  a  lake  or  river.    (Burton.} 

The  sign  for  Day  reversed.     (Arapaho  I.)     "  Everything  is  closed." 

Both  hands  outspread,  palms  facing,  passed  in  front  of  the  body  and 
crossed,  the  right  hand  over  the  left.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  the  flat  hands  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbows,  palms  up, 
then  throw  them  inward  toward  the  middle  of  the  breast,  the  right  over 
the  left,  turning  the  palms  downward  while  making  the  gesture.  (Absa- 
roka  1;  Hidatsa  I;  Kaiowa  I;  Arikaral;  Comanche  III  ;  Khoshoni  and 
Banak  I;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  Note.  —  "For  the  plural,  the  sign  is 
related  two  or  three  times  and  the  number  indicated  by  elevating  the 
fingers  of  the  left  hand,  and  right  if  necessary.  Time  is  reckoned  by 
nights,  and  if  but  two  or  three  nights  (or  days)  are  mentioned,  the  sign 
is  made  that  number  of  times  without  elevating  the  fingers,  the  number 
of  times  the  gesture  being  made  referring  to  the  number  of  days,  with 
out  the  accompanying  numeration." 

Extend  the  arms  to  full  capacity  to  the  sides  of  the  body  on  the  level 
of  the  shoulders,  palms  downward,  fingers  joined,  etc.  (as  W),  and  then 
move  them  to  the  front  of  the  body  on  the  same  level  or  on  a  slight 
curve  until  they  have  crossed  each  other  at  the  wrists.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  The  coming  of  darkness  —  the  closing  in  of  night." 

Extend  both  hands  to  the  front  at  about  the  height  of  the  elbow  (as  in 
W),  and  then  slowly  move  both  at  the  same  time,  the  right  hand  to 
the  left  and  the  left  hand  to  the  right,  passing  one  above  the  other, 
representing  the  darkness  closing  over  the  earth.  (Dakota  III.) 

From  advanced  positions,  two  feet  apart,  about  eighteen  inches  in 
front  of  the  line  of  the  body,  pointing  forward,  palms  downward,  at  the 
height  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  carry  the  opened  hands  inward, 
•  -arli  one  describing  an  arc,  until  they  point  obliquely  forward  and  out 
ward,  the  right  two  orthree  inches  above  the  left,  (Dakota  IV.)  "Dark 
ness  covers  all." 

Plan-  the  Hat  hands,  palm  down,  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbows, 
thru  mm.-  them  horizontally  toward  and  past  each  other  until  the  fore 
arms  cross.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  sign  for  Day  is  first  completed;  then  the  hand,  in  position  (1  1), 
index  more  opened,  describes  an  arc  of  the  horizon  inverted,  as  the  sun 
beneath  us;  this  is  followed  by  the  sign  for  Sleep,  the  eyes  closed  and 
the  head  inclining  to  the  right,  supported  in  the  open  hand.  (Oto  and 
i  I.) 


Both  hands  placed  in  front  of  the  eyes,  palms  facing,  and  slowly 
closed,  the  eyes  being  closed  at  the  same  time.    (  Wyandot  I.) 


Deaf-mute  natural  signs.—  Move  the  forefinger  downward  from  the 
west  to  the  east.     (Bollard.) 

Use  the  shut  hand  as  if  to  scratch  a  match.     (Hasemtab.) 


,  not.    See  also  Know,  I  don't.     (Compare  Nothing.) 
The  hand  held  up  before  the  face,  with  the  palm  outward  and  vibrated 
to  and  fro.     (Ditnbar.) 

The  hand  waved  outward  with  the  thumb  upward.     (Long.) 

Wave  the  right  hand  quickly  by  and  in  front  of  the  face  toward  the 
right.  (  Wied.)  Refusing  to  accept  the  idea  or  statement  presented. 

Move  the  hand  from  right  to  left,  as  if  motioning  away.  This  sign 
also  means  "I'll  have  nothing  to  do  with  you."  (Burton.)  ' 

Eight-hand  fingers  extended  together,  side  of  hand  in  front  of  and 
facing  the  face,  in  front  of  the  mouth  and  waved  suddenly  to  the  right. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

A  deprecatory  wave  of  the  right  hand  from  front  to  right,  fingers 
extended  and  joined.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  extended  before  the  body,  fingers  pointing  up 
ward,  palm  to  the  front,  then  throw  the  hand  outward  to  the  right,  and 
slightly  downward.  (Absarolca  I;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

The  right  hand,  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  (  W),  is  pushed  side- 
wise  outward  and  toward  the  right  from  the  left  breast.  No,  none,  I 
have  none,  etc.,  are  all  expressed  by  this  sign.  Often  these  Indians  for 
No  will  simply  shake  the  head  to  the  right  and  left.  This  sign,  although 
it  may  have  originally  been  introduced  from  the  white  people's  habit  of 
shaking  the  head  to  express  No,  has  been  in  use  among  them  for  as  long 
as  the  oldest  people  can  remember,  yet  they  do  not  use  the  variant  to 
express  Yea.  (Dakota  I.)  "Dismissing  the  idea,  etc." 

Place  the  opened  relaxed  right  hand,  pointing  toward  the  left,  back 
forward,  in  front  of  the  nose  or  as  low  as  the  breast,  and  throw  it  for 
ward  and  outward  about  eighteen  inches.  Some  at  the  same  time  turn 
the  palm  upward.  Or  make  the  sign  at  the  height  of  the  breast  with 
both  hands.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Represents  the  shaking  of  the  head. 
Our  shaking  of  the  head  in  denial  is  not  so  universal  in  the  Old  World 
as  is  popularly  supposed,  for  the  ancient  Greeks,  followed  by  the  modern 
Turks  and  rustic  Italians,  threw  the  head  back,  instead  of  shaking  it, 
for  No. 

Hold  the  flat  hand  pointing  upward  before  the  right  side  of  the  chest, 
then  throw  it  outward  and  downward  to  the  right.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 


190 

The  hand  extended  or  slightly  curved  is  held  in  front  of  the  body  a 
little  to  the  right  of  the  median  line;  it  is  then  carried  with  a  rapid  sweep 
a  foot  or  more  farther  to  the  right.  (Mandan  and  Hidatxa  I.) 

Place  the  hand  as  in  Yes,  and  move  it  from  side  to  side.  (Iroquois 
I.)  "A  shake  of  the  head."; 

Throw  the  flat  light  hand  forward  and  outward  to  the  right,  palm  to 
t lit- front.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Quirk  motion  of  open  hand  from  the  mouth  forward,  palm  toward  the 
month,  (pahaptin  I.) 

Place  hand  in  front  of  body,  fingers  relaxed,  palm  toward  body  (Y  1), 
thru  with  easy  motion  move  to  point,  say,  a  foot  from  body,  a  little  to 
right,  fingers  same,  but  palm  upward.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "We  don't  agree." 
To  express  All  gone,  use  a  similar  motion  with  both  hands.  "  Empty." 

Elevate  the  extended  index  ;iu<l  wave  it  quickly  from  side  to  side 
before  the  face.  This  is  sometimes  accompanied  by  shaking  the  head. 
(Pai-  Ute  1.) 

Extend  the  index,  holding  it  vertically  before  the  face,  remaining 
fingers  and  thumb  closed;  pass  the  finger  quickly  from  side  to  side  a 
foot  or  so  before  the  face.  (Apache  I.)  This  sign,  as  also  that  of  (Pai- 
Ute  I),  is  substantially  the  same  as  that  with  the  same  significance  re 
ported  from  Naples  by  DE  JORIO. 

Wave  extended  hand  before  the  face  from  side  to  side.     (Apactie  III.) 

Another :  The  right  hand,  naturally  relaxed,  is  thrown  outward  and 
forward  toward  the  right.  (Apache  I.) 

Extend  the  palm  of  the  right  hand  horizontally  a  foot  from  the  waist, 
palm  downward,  then  suddenly  throw  it  half  over  from  the  body,  as  if 
tossing  a  chip  from  the  back  of  the  hand.  ( Wichita  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  .s/V/n*. — Shake  the  head.     (BaUard.) 

Move  both  hands  from  each  other,  and,  at  the  same  time,  shake  the 
head  so  as  to  indicate  "  no."  (Hasenstab.) 

Our  deaf  mutes  for  emphatic  negative  wave  the  right  hand  before  the 
face. 

The  Egyptian  negative  linear  hieroglyph  is  clearly  the  gesture  of  both 
hands,  palm  down,  waved  apart  horizontally  and  apparently  at  the  level 
of  the  elbow,  between  which  and  the  Maya  negative  particle  "ma"  given 
by  Ltnnitt  there  is  a  strong  coincidence. 

None,  Nothing ;  I  have  none. 

••  I  .ittle  "  or  "  nothing  "  is  signified  by  passing  one  hand  over  the  other. 
(Ojibwa  I.) 


19! 
Motion  of  rubbing  out.     (Macgoican.) 

May  also  be  signified  by  smartly  brushing  the  right  hand  across  the 
left  from  the  wrist  toward  the  fingers,  both  hands  extended,  palms  to 
ward  each  other  and  fingers  joined.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Is  included  in  Gone,  Destroyed.    (Dakota  I.) 

Another  :  Place  the  opened  left  hand  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  navel, 
pointing  forward  and  to  right,  palm  obliquely  upward  and  backward, 
and  sweep  the  palm  of  the  open  right  hand  forward  and  to  the  right  over 
it  and  about  a  foot  through  a  curve.  (Dakota  IV.)  "All  bare." 

Pass  the  ulnar  side  of  the  right  index  along  the  radial  side  of  the  left 
index  from  tip  to  base.  Some  roll  the  right  index  over  on  its  back  as 
they  move  it  along  the  left.  The  hands  are  to  be  in  front  of  the  navel, 
backs  forward  and  outward,  the  left  index  straight  and  pointing  for 
ward  and  to  the  right,  the  right  index  straight  and  pointing  forward 
and  to  the  left ;  the  other  fingers  loosely  closed.  (Dakota  IV.) 

With  the  right  hand  pointing  obliquely  forward  to  the  left,  the  left 
forward  to  the  right,  palms  upward,  move  them  alternately  several 
times  up  and  down,  striking  the  ends  of  the  fingers.  Or,  the  left  hand 
being  in  the  above  position,  rub  the  right  palm  in  a  circle  on  the  left 
two  or  three  times,  and  then  move  it  forward  and  to  the  right.  (Dakota 
VI.)  "  Rubbed  out.  That  is  all.  It  is  all  gone." 

Pass  the  palm  of  the  flat  right  hand  over  the  left  from  the  wrist  to 
ward  and  off  of  the  tips  of  the  fingers.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Brush  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  from  wrist  to  finger  tips  with  the 
palm  of  the  right.  (  Wyandot  I.) 

Another:  Throw  both  hands  outward  toward  their  respective  sides 
from  the  breast.  (  Wyandot  I.) 

Pass  the  flat  right  palm  over  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  from  the  wrist 
forward  over  the  fingers.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wi- 
rliitnU.)  "Wiped  out." 

Hold  the  left  hand  open,  with  the  palm  upward,  at  the  height  of  the 
elbow  and  before  the  body ;  pass  the  right  quickly  over  the  left,  palms 
touching,  from  the  wrist  toward  the  tips  of  the  left,  as  if  brushing  off 
dust.  (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Place  the  hands  near  each  other,  palms 
downward,  and  reverse  and  move  them  over  in  opposite  directions. 
(Ballard.) 


192 

Australian  sign.—Pannie  (none  or  nothing).  For  instance,  a  native 
says  Bamako  inyina  (give  a  tomahawk).  I  reply  by  shaking  the  hand, 
thumb,  and  all  fingers,  separated  and  loosely  extended,  paltn  down. 


-  Exhausted  for  the  present. 

Hold  both  hands  naturally  relaxed  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the 
body,  palms  toward  the  face,  move  them  alternately  to  and  fro  a  few 
inches,  allowing  the  fingers  to  strike  those  of  the  opposite  hand  each 
time  ;is  far  as  the  second  joint.  (Kalowa  I  ;  Comanche  III  ;  Apache  II  ; 
Wichita  II. 


I  have  none. 


Deaf-mute  natural  tdgm.  —  Expressed  by  the  signs  for  none,  after  point 
ing  to  one's  self.     (Ballard.) 

Stretch  the  tongue  and  move  it  to  and  fro  like  a  pendulum,  then 
shake  the  head  as  it  to  say  "  no."    (Zeigler.) 

A  OOBI.    Bee  Day. 


Right  index  crooked,  turned,  pointing  downward  (other  fingers  and 
thumb  closed),  is  passed  downward  from  the  upper  part  of  the  nose  to 
the  level  of  the  nostrils,  with  back  outward  and  finger  touching  the  nose. 
(Dakota  I.) 

-  Bleeding. 

Lean  the  head  slightly  forward  and  continue  the  movement,  as  above 
given,  downward  from  the  level  of  the  nostril,  and  repeat  several  times, 
which  indicates  the  dropping  of  the  blood  from  the  nostrils.  (Dakota  I.) 

Mow,  at  once. 

The  two  hands  forming  each  a  hollow  and  brought  near  each  other 
and  put  into  a  tremulous  motion  upward  and  downward.  (Dunbar.) 

Clap  both  hands  together  sharply  and  repeatedly,  or  make  the  sign 
of  To-day.  (Burton.) 

Forefinger  of  the  right  hand  extended,  upright,  etc.  (  J),  is  carried 
upward  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  body  and  above  the  head  so  that 
the  extended  finger  points  toward  the  center  of  the  heavens,  and  then 
carried  downward  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  forefinger  still  pointing 
npright.  (Dakota  I.) 

Place  the  extended  index,  pointing  upward,  palm  to  the  left,  as  high 
as  and  before  the  top  of  the  head  ;  push  the  hand  up  and  down  a  slight 
distance  several  times,  the  eyes  being  directed  upward  at  the  time. 
(Hidatsa  I  ;  Kaiowa  I  ;  Arikaral;  Comanche  III  ;  Apache  II  ;  Wichita  II.) 


193 

Number.    (Compare  Counting;  Quantity.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Cotmt  the  fingers  until  the  number  nine  is 
reached,  and  beyond  it  count  doubles  of  the  hands,  each  denoting  ten. 
(Cross.) 

Objection. 

Italian  sign. — A  finger  placed  on  the  lower  lip  is  understood  to  mean 
some  new  and  suddenly  started  objection  to  a  previous  plan.  (Butler.) 

Obtain.    (Compare  Possession.) 

First  make  the  gesture  for  Mine,  then  move  the  right  hand  right 
and  left  before  the  face,  the  thumb  turned  toward  the  face.  ( Wied.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Searching,  hunting  for,  and  then  take  hold 
of  the  object  with  the  right  hand  and  draw  it  in  toward  the  body,  near 
which  the  hand  is  brought  to  a  stop.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Have  hunted  for 
and  got  it.7' 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Extend  the  hand,  and  close  and  move  it  back. 

(Ballard.} 

Ocean. 

Make  the  sign  for  "Water,  then  place  the  flat  hands,  palms  down 
ward,  thumbs  joining,  before  the  breast,  and  move  them  horizontally 
outward  to  either  side.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "Broad 
water." 

Officer. 

Turn  the  hands  upward  and  inward,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  fingers 
to  touch  the  top  of  each  shoulder.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "Epau 
lets." 

Offspring.    See  Chiid. 

Old.    (Compare  Old  Man,  Aged  and  Time,  long.) 

With  the  right  hand  held  in  front  of  right  side  of  body,  as  though 
grasping  the  head  of  a  walking-stick,  describe  the  forward  arch  move 
ment  as  though  a  person  walking  was  using  it  for  support.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Decrepit  age  dependent  on  a  staff!." 

Place  the  closed  right  hand  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder, 
leaving  the  index  partly  extended  and  bent ;  then  move  it  slowly  for 
ward  and  toward  the  left  in  an  interrupted  manner.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
"  Slow  movement  and  bent  form  of  an  old  man." 

Person. 

Grasp  the  cheeks  with  both  hands,  using  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and 
thumbs.     Wrinkles.     (Apache  I.) 
25 


194 
Deaf-mute  natural  sign.—  A  trembling  motion  of  the  head.     (Ball  aril.) 

Opposite. 

A  clinched  hand  held  up  on  the  side  of  the  head,  at  the  distance  of 
a  foot  or  more  from  it.  (Long.) 

Bring  the  ends  of  the  outstretched  forefingers  in  close  proximity, 
removing  them  again  perpendicularly,  and  repeating  the  process  several 
times.  (Ojibica  II.)  "  Face  to  face  with." 

Left  hand  stationary  in  front  of  face  on  level  of  the  eyes,  forefinger 
alone  extended,  horizontal,  pointing  toward  the  right,  &c.  (as  in  JI, 
except  hack  outward);  then  the  right  hand  is  carried  to  the  right  eye, 
all  fingers  except  the  index  closed,  which  points  outward,  straight  to 
ward  the  end  of  the  stationary  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Forefingers  opposite  one  another." 

Otter. 

Draw  the  nase  slightly  upward  with  the  two  first  fingers  of  the  right 
hand,  f  Wh'fl.) 


the  end  of  the  nose  round  and  round  with  the  ends  of  the  fin 
gers  of  the  right  hand.     (Dakota  IV.)     "White  nose." 

Out,  Outward,  Without  (in  position.) 

Tin-  semicircle  as  made  in  the  sign  for  In,  Within,  with  the  upright 
right  index  placed  without  the  circle  between  it  and  the  body.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "The  variant  of  In,  Within." 

Over  (on  the  other  side). 

Collect  the  fingers  of  both  hands  to  a  point,  place  the  left  horizontally 
before  the  breast,  pointing  to  the  right,  and  the  right  behind  the  left, 
pointing  to  the  right,  palms  down,  then  pass  the  right  forward,  over  and 
down  a  short  distance  beyond  the  left,  (Kaiowal-,  Comanche  III  ; 
Apache  II  ;  Wichita  1  1.)  «  This  sign  is  abbreviated  by  merely  using  the 
'  \  tended  forefingers  instead  of  the  whole  hand." 

Pack,  carrying  a. 

Tlie  hands  are  placed  each  side  of  the  head,  as  if  they  held  the  strap 
of  t  lie  l,,,inmx,  which  passes  round  the  forehead,  in  order  to  relieve  that 
part,  by  supporting  a  portion  of  the  weight  of  the  burden;  with  this 
motion,  two  or  three  slight  inclinations  of  the  head  and  corresponding 
movements  of  the  hands  are  also  made.  (.Long.) 

Packing.    See  also  Hor*e  (packing  a). 
Paint. 

Daub  both  the  cheeks  downward  with  the  index-finger.    (Burton.) 


195 

Left  baud  held  up,  back  and  thumb  upward,  first  and  middle  fingers 
of  right  hand  dipped  forward  as  though  touching  something,  and  then 
rubbed  against  back  of  hand  near  the  base  of  the  thumb,  as  in  sign  for 
Grease.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  the  cheek  with  the  ex 
tended  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Mix 
ing  the  paint  and  applying  to  the  face." 

(1)  Rub  the  right  forefinger  in  the  left  palm;  (2)  then  rub  it  on  the 
cheeks.  (Apache  III.)  "  (1)  Mixing  or  grinding;  (2)  applying." 

Paper. 

The  left  arm  is  semi-extended,  the  hand  open  in  position  (W),  palm 
up ;  the  right  hand  then  approaches  the  left  and  in  position  (K)  seem 
ingly  writes  in  the  left  palm ;  both  hands  then  assume  position  (\V), 
appioximate  each  other,  then  widely  diverge.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  Something  extended  upon  which  to  write." 

Parent.    See,  also,  Relationship. 

Generically. 

Place  the  hand,  bowl-shaped,  over  the  right  breast,  as  if  grasping  a 
pap.  (Dodge.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Father  twice.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  nearly  to  a  point  and 
pretend  to  grasp  the  left  breast  and  draw  it  out  toward  the  front  about 
twelve  inches.  (Dakota  VI.)  "  When  this  sign  is  made  once  it  means 
father  (which  may  be  more  specifically  designated  by  elevating  the 
finger  as  for  Man,  i.  e.,  man  or  male  parent) ;  when  it  is  made  twice  it 
means  Parents,  and  is  used  geuerically;  when  mother  is  meant,  the 
signs  for  Parent  and  Woman,  i.  e.,  long-haired  parent;  woman  parent." 

The  right  arm  is  extended  (with  the  hand  in  type-position  J),  and 
made  to  point  to  the  object.  The  hands  (in  type-positions  A  A)  next 
approach  the  mammary  region  and  thus  hold  for  a  moment.  The 
right  hand  is  then  opened  (as  in  type-position  S,  modified  by  being 
horizontal)  and  made  to  describe  a  semicircle  downward,  inward,  and 
outward  from  the  lower  part  of  the  trunk  of  the  body.  ( Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I.)  "  Him  or  her  from  whom  comes  the  offspring." 

Same  sign  as  for  Father,  also  made  for  mother  with  the  addition  of 
the  sign  for  \\oina  11 ;  literally  Woman  Parent.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Co- 
manchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Partisan.    See  Chief,  War; 
Patience.    See  Quiet. 


196 
Peace.     (Compare  Friendship.) 

Intertwine  the  fingers  of  both  hands.     (Burton.) 
Pantomimic. — Simulate  shaking  of  hands.     (Arapako  I.) 

The  extended  fingers,  separated  (R),  interlocked  in  front  of  the  breast, 
hands  horizontal,  backs  outward.  (Dakota  I.)  " Let  us  be  friends.  Let 
us  be  at  peace." 

The  left  arm  semifiexed,  hand  closed  and  elevated,  then  spirally  ro 
tated  across  the  forehead  for  Anger;  this  is  followed  by  the  sign  for 
\o,  indicating  no  anger.  The  arms  and  hands  then  fall  to  sides,  right 
arm  is  now  raised,  and  closed  hand  clasped  in  the  left  axilla — the  sign 
for  A  dear  friend.  The  arms  are  then  extended  and  drawn  inward  from 
lu'tore  the  body.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  What  comes  of  mutual  friend 
ship  and  good  feeling." 

Penurious  or  stingy.    (Compare  miser.) 

Clinch  both  hands  firmly,  the  right  hand  resting  on  the  left,  both 
drawn  to  the  chest,  held  firmly  with  a  slight  shake,  pressed  against 
breast,  back  of  right  hand  above,  with  compressed  lips  and  light  shake 
or  quiver  of  head.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

Person,  A.    An  Individual. 

Place  the  half-closed  hands  over  the  front  of  the  forehead,  backs 
outward,  then  pass  them  outward,  downward  over  the  cheeks  and  for 
ward  toward  the  chin.  Face;  visage.  (Wyandotl.) 

Pills. 

The  right  arm  and  hand  is  brought  before  the  breast;  the  index-finger 
and  thumb  in  position  (H)  rotate  together;  the  hand  then  approaches 
the  month  as  in  the  sign  for  Eat;  the  act  of  swallowing  is  then  exe 
cuted.  The  right  hand  then  sweeps  hurriedly  from  the  anal  region  of 
body.  (Oto  and  Missouri  1.)  -<  Something  rolled  between  thumb  and 
finger,  then  swallowed,  that  will  evacuate  the  bowels." 

Pipe. 

Make  the  same  sign  as  to  Smoke.  (AbmroJca  I;  Shoshoni  and 
I  it  i  nnk  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  of  tilling  the  pipe,  in  front  of  the  stomach  with 
tin-  right  hand,  left  hand  held  representing  the  bowl  of  the  pipe, 
with  lingn-s  nearly  closed,  back  outward,  edge  of  fingers  downward, 
insert  the  right  index  from  above  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  as 
though  inserting  the  tobacco,  then  knock  it  down  with  the  edge  of  the 
right  fist  (B),  then  extend  the  left  hand  to  nearly  full  capacity,  with 
back  downward  as  though  grasping  the  pipe-stem  from  the  right  side, 


197 

and  the  right  hand  grasps  the  stem  from  the  left  side,  with  back  down 
ward  near  the  mouth  end.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  filling  and  manner 
of  holding  the  pipe." 

The  palm  of  the  right  hand  being  upward,  the  fingers  nearly  closed 
and  thumb  extended  forward,  move  the  hand  from  the  mouth  straight 
forward  about  four  inches,  three  or  four  times.  Or  the  hand  may  be 
held  upright,  palm  toward  the  left,  thumb  pointing  toward  the  mouth, 
fingers  closed.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Holding  the  pipe-stem  and  removing  it 
from  the  month  as  in  smoking." 

-  My. 

Make  the  sign  for  Pipe  and  then  throw  the  hand  forward  as  for  I 
have.  It  is  my  pipe.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Pistol. 

The  same  movement  as  for  gun  made  lower  down.     (Burton.) 

Left  hand  placed  in  position  as  though  holding  a  pistol,  right-hand 
forefinger  resting  against  lower  of  left  hand,  and  motioned  as  though 
cocking  pistol.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  right  hand  in  its  position  near  the  right  eye,  as  given  in  the  sign 
for  Gun,  denotes  a  pistol.  This  is  from  the  shortness  of  the  barrel. 
(Dakota  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  semi  extended  before  the  front  of  the  body;  the 
hand  assumes  the  posture  of  type-position  (B  L),  modified  by  being  more 
opened  and  index  crooked  as  hooking  the  trigger.  From  the  center  of 
the  body  the  semi-extended  arm  is  elevated  to  a  level  with  the  face  and 
suddenly  the  hand  is  expanded  as  it  projects  forward.  The  right  hand 
then  drops  to  an  extended  position  from  the  side  of  the  middle  of  the 
body  and  the  left  hand  is  drawn  edgewise  across  it,  as  in  sign  for  Bad. 
(Oto  and  Mi^onri  I.)  "Something  to  shoot  down  what  is  bad." 

Place,  At  I  hi*.     (Compare  Here.) 

Place  the  left  hand,  slightly  curved,  about  eighteen  inches  before  the 
heart,  pointing  toward  the  right,  the  palm  toward  the  face  ;  collect  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  strike  the  palm  of  the  right 
against  that  of  the  left,  the  axes  being  at  about  right  angles.  (Absaroka 
I;  tihoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Place,  To  arrive  at  a. 

The  hands  are  placed  as  in  the  sign  for  Place,  at  this,  but  the 

right  hand  is  brought  from  a  point  at  arm's  length  backward  or  out 
from  the  right  shoulder,  and  struck  against  the  palm  of  the  left. 
[AbsaroJca  I;  Shoshoni and Banak I.)  The  left  hand,  representing  local 
ity,  is  held  in  any  direction  to  indicate  the  speaker's* meaning,  when  the 
right  hand  follows  the  course  and  strikes  the  left  at  that  position. 


198 

Plain,  Prairie.    (Compare  Earth.) 

Lay  the  hands  Hat  upon  their  backs  and  move  them  straight  from  one 
another  in  a  horizontal  line.  ( Wied.)  There  is  no  simillarity  with  Wietfx 
sign  iii  execution,  nor  is  the  conception  of  the  latter  as  plain  as  that  of 
(Oto  and  Mimnmri  I).  (Boteler.) 

Wave  both  the  palms  outward  and  low  down.     (Burton.) 

This  is  expressed  in  the  sign  for  Flat,  Level.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
flat  or  level  prairie." 

After  placing  the  hands  near  together,  palms  upward,  fingers  point 
ing  forward,  separate  them  about  two  feet;  carry  the  extended  right 
index,  back  upward,  [minting  forward,  through  a  forward  curve  from 
side  to  side  in  front  of  the  body  three  or  four  times,  then  make  the 
negative  sign.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Nothing  there." 

The  arms  are  semifiexed  and  brought,  hands  together,  before  the 
body.  Then  stoop  forward  and  touch  a  piece  of  wood,  or,  in  its  absence, 
execute  the  sign  for  the  same.  The  hands  are  then  approximated  before 
the  chest  in  type  position  (T),  then  made  to  diverge  widely,  finally  the 
right  hand  openly  sweeps  negatively  to  the  side  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
••  Extended  space  where  there  is  no  wood." 

(1)  Wave  the  hands  horizontally  and  laterally,  palms  up  (X),  holding 
left  hand  still  '(X) ;  (2)  thrust  the  right  hand  up,  fingers  extended  (P)  ; 

(3)  rub  off  left  palm  with  right  (X  reversed) ;  smooth  off  left  palm  with 
right.    (Apache  III.)    "(1)  Level  surface;    (2)  trees;  (3)  destitute  of; 

(4)  very  smooth." 

Plant,  To. 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  directed 
toward  the  ground,  and  as  the  hand  is  moved  straight  forward  from  the 
body,  dip  it  toward  the  ground  at  regular  intervals.  (Kaiowal-,  Co- 
mavchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Plant*,  Vegetation. 

Close  the  right  hand;  extend  the  index,  pointing  vertically,  and  place 
the  tip  of  the  thumb  against  the  second  joint,  then  pass  the  hand,  back 
down,  toward  one  side,  in  repeated  moves,  slightly  elevating  it  at  each 
rest.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Pleased.    See  Glad. 
Pond.    See  Lake. 

Poor.    Lean.    Indigent. 

The  two  forefingers  extended,  with  the  right  as  if  it  was  a  knife,  imi 
tate  the  motion  of  cutting  the  flesh  off  the  left  finger,  beginning  toward 


199 

the  tip,  and  cutting'  with  a  quick  motion  directed  toward  the  base ;  at 
the  same  time  turn  the  finger  a  little  round,  so  as  to  expose  the  different 
parts  to  the  action  of  cutting ;  intimating  that  the  flesh  has  diminished 
from  starvation.  (Long.) 

Hold  the  flattened  hands  toward  one  another  before  the  breast, 
separate  them,  moving  all  the  fingers  several  times  inward  and  outward 
toward  and  outward  from  the  breast.  (  Wied.)  The  left  forearm  is  ele 
vated  and  semi-extended  from  center  of  side  of  body.  Left  hand  is  in 
type  position  ( J  1,  horizontal).  The  right  hand,  in  a  similar  position, 
seemingly  shaves  the  left  index-finger  toward  the  body.  There  is  no 
apparent  identity  in  execution  or  conception  of  this  sign  with  that  of 
the  Prince  of  Wied.  (Boteler.)  "  Reduced  to  small  dimensions." 

Pass  one  forefinger  along  the  other,  leaving  it  at  the  tip,  both  extend 
ed,  as  if  paring  or  whittling  it.  (Arapalio  I.) 

With  the  hands  about  tour  inches  in  front  of  the  chest,  ends  near 
together,  pointing  inward,  palms  backward  and  fingers  relaxed,  quickly 
move  them  a  few  inches  outward  several  times,  each  time  nearly  closing 
tlie  fingers.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Because  the  ribs  show  and  the  fingers  fit 
in  between  them." 

Place  both  hands  with  fingers  joined  but  hooked  upon  the  middle  of 
the  chest,  and  pull  them  apart  as  if  tearing  open  the  flesh.  (Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

With  the  right  hand  to  the  breast,  imitate  the  grasping  and  tearing 
open  thereof.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Place  the  hands  upon  the  cheeks,  and  draw 
in  the  cheeks.  (Ballard.} 

In  property. 

Extend  the  left  forefinger  in  front  of  the  left  side,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  being  closed;  then  with  the  extended  index  make  several 
passes  over  the  back  of  the  left  from  tip  to  base.  (Absaroka  I;  Sho 
ehorn  and  Banak  I.) 

Left  hand  in  front  of  body,  forefinger  horizontal  (Mi  palrn  of  hand  to 
the  right),  right  hand  same  position  excepting  to  have  palm  inward, 
stroke  the  finger  of  left  with  forefinger  of  right  from  end  of  the  finger  to 
the  knuckle  several  times.  (Cheyenne  II.) 

Left  hand  as  in  (K)  is  held  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  breast, 
and  the  right  hand  (JH),  forefinger  extended,  horizontal,  palm  downward, 
the  side  of  the  right  finger  glided  over  the  back  of  the  extended  left 
forefinger.  (Dakota  I.) 


200 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  is  stroked  rather  rapidly 
two  to  many  times  from  point  to  ha  so,  with  the  extended  index  of  the 
right  hand,  the  motion  resembling  that  of  whittling  a  stick.  Sometimes 
the  left  hand  is  slightly  rotated  so  as  to  present  different  parts  of  the 
finger  to  the  stroking  process.  (Mandan  and  Hidatmt  1.) 

Place  the  point  of  the  extended  index  upon  the  back  of  the  basal 
joint  of  the  middle  finger  of  the  left  hand.  ( Wyawlot  I.) 

Hub  the  extended  index  back  and  forth  over  the  back  of  the  extended 
forefinger  of  the  left  hand  from  tip  to  base.  (Kahnra  I :  Comnnche  III ; 
Apache  II;  }\'i<'hit«  II.) 

A  nother :  Pass  the  extended  index  of  the  right  hand  alternately  along 
the  upper  and  lower  sides  of  the  extended  forefinger  as  in  whittling 
toward  the  hand.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  U.) 

Same  sign  as  for  A  par  lie.     See  TRIBAL  SIGNS.    (ComancJie  II.) 

Bub  the  back  of  the  left  hand  back  and  forth  with  the  palmar  sur 
face  of  the  extended  index.  (Ute  1;  Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  ni(/n.— Pass  the  thumb  over  the  forefinger  several 
times  (indicating  "money"),  next  move  the  open  hand  from  side  to  side 
once,  and,  at  the  same  time,  shake  the  head  (indicating  "no"),  and  then, 
nodding  the  head,  point  with  the  forefinger  to  some  person  who  is  poor. 
(Haxenxtab.} 

Pony.    See  Horwe. 

Position,  Changei*  of*.    See  Ahead. 

PoM*e**ion,  mine;  m>   property;  To  belong  to. 

Tin-  hand  shut  and  held  up  to  the  view.     (Dunbar.) 

\Yith  the  fist,  pass  upward  in  front  of  the  breast,  then  push  it  for 
ward  with  a  slight  jerk.  (  Wied.)  There  is  no  appreciable  similarity  in 
the  execution  of  the  Oto  and  Missouri  I  sign  and  that  of  Wied.  The 
conception  of  the  latter  is  difficult  to  see.  (Boteler.)  It  appears  to  be 
the  grasping  and  display  of  property. 

Touch  the  breast  with  the  index-finger.     (Dodge.) 

Right  hand  closed  as  though  holding  something  elevated  to  level  of 
and  in  front  of  the  chin,  drawn  quickly  with  a  downward  curved  motion 
toward  the  neck.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

ISoth  hands  clinched  about  twelve  inches  before  the  body,  palms  in 
ward,  the  right  about  eight  inches  above  the  left;  both  are  then  forcibly 
pushed  toward  the  ground.  (Abmroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 


201 

First  make  the  sign  for  I,  personal  pronoun,  then  point  to  or  make 
the  sign  for  the  particular  article  to  which  reference  is  made,  and  com 
plete  the  sign  by  crossing  the  arms  at  the  wrists,  about  a  foot  in  front 
of  the  breast,  with  hands  natural,  relaxed  (Y),  palms  inward,  upright, 
draw  the  hands  to  the  body  so  that  they  will  cover  the  right  and  left 
breasts  (the  right  hand  the  left  breast  and  the  left  hand  the  right 
breast).  (Dakota  I.)  u  Possession — my  property." 

Another:  First  make  the  sign  for  I,  first  personal  pronoun,  and  then 
the  sign  for  the  property, if  it  has  one;  if  not,  then  the  particular  articles 
constituting  the  property  must  be  pointed  to.  (Dakota  I.)  "  These 
things  are  mine." 

Strike  the  palms  of  the  hands  together,  palms  inward,  and  then  make 
the  sign  for  Some,  I  have  some.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Throw  the  clinched  right  hand  edgewise  toward  the  earth,  before  and 
as  far  as  the  lower  part  of  the  body.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  arms  are  crossed  and  the  hands  loosely  collected  as  in  type-posi 
tion  (B),  are  folded  on  the  chest.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That  per 
tains  to  me." 

Throw  the  fist,  edge  downward  toward  the  ground.  When  posses 
sion  is  elsewhere,  the  arm  is  extended  in  that  direction,  and  the  above 
sign  made.  (Kaioical',  Apache  II;  Wichita  II;  Comanche  III.) 

Both  fists,  with  palms  forward,  are  held  before  the  body,  right  above 
left,  and  forcibly  pushed  downward  a  short  distance.  (Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  object  owned,  and  then  point 
to  the  breast.  (Bollard.} 

Point  to  something  with  the  forefinger  of  one  hand,  and,  nod  the 
head,  then  rest  the  other  open  hand  on  the  breast.  (Hasenstab.) 

Slap  the  breast  with  the  hand,  and  at  the  same  time  open  the  mouth 
as  ii  to  say  "  My."  (Zeigler.) 

Our  instructed  deaf-mutes  press  an  imaginary  object  to  the  breast 
with  the  right  hand. 

It  belongs  to  me. 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  object  possessed,  and  then  to 
the  bosom,  meaning  the  speaker.  (Bollard.} 

First  point  to  the  object  with  the  forefinger,  next  rest  the  forefinger 
on  the  breast-bone,  and  then  nod  the  head.     (Hasenstab.) 
26 


202 

Point  with  the  right  forefinger  as  if  to  point  to  something,  and  then 
iroiii  the  thing  to  myself.  (Zeigler.) 

1  have. 

First  make  the  sign  for  I,  personal  pronoun,  and  then  the  back  of 
the  right  hand  which  points  obliquely  upward  and  toward  the  left,  with 
fingers  extended  and  joined,  is  carried  out  from  the  breast  about 
eighteen  inches,  and  placed  in  the  palm  of  the  left,  held  pointing 
obliquely  upward  and  toward  the  right,  palm  upward,  fingers  extended, 
joined,  and  then  both  hands  drawn  in  to  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "Pos 
session — I  have  it  right  here  in  my  hands." 

Place  the  fistvS,  backs  outward,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  navel,  the 
right  just  above  the  left,  then  move  them  straight  forward  a  couple  of 
inches.  Some  place  the  right  a  little  in  advance  of  the  left.  (Dakota 
IV.)  "  Holding  fast  to  everything." 

Make  the  signs  for  I,  Ifle,  and  Have.     (Hidatsa  I ;  Ankara  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.— Move  to  and  fro  the  finger  several  times  to 
the  breast.  (Larson.) 

Another  has. 

Pass  the  right  hand  quickly  before  the  face,  as  if  to  say  "  Go  away,'' 
then  make  the  gesture  for  Ifline.  ( Wied.)  The  arms  are  raised  and 
closed  over  the  breast  as  in  the  sign  for  ifline.  They  are  then  suddenly 
thrown  open  from  the  breast  toward  another  person,  with  the  palms  out 
ward.  There  is  no  similarity  in  either  execution  or  conception  of  this 
sign  with  that  of  Wied;  they  are  evidently  of  different  origin.  (Boteler.) 
"  Xot  mine." 

First  point  to  the  person  who  has  the  article,  or  who  has  done  it,  with 
the  right  index  (]H),  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Have  it.  (Dakota  I.) 
••  Reverse  of  I  have  it." 

Rotate  the  right  hand,  back  upward,  from  side  to  side,  six  or  eight 
inches,  describing  an  arc,  fingers  separated  a  little,  slightly  bent,  and 
pointing  forward;  then  make  the  sign  for  Have.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Another :  Point  at  the  person  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Have.  It 
belongs  to  him.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Possession,  Ifline,  in  the  direction  of  the  per 
son,  or  if  the  person  is  named  and  not  present,  the  gesture  is  made  to 
one  side.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Same  sign  as  for  His.  (Kaioica  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita 
II.) 


203 

To  have. 

Both  hands  clinched,  held  edgewise,  the  right  about  six  inches  above 
the  left,  and  struck  downward  toward  the  ground  as  far  as  the  waist, 
retaining  the  same  distance  between  the  hands  during  the  whole  of  the 
gesture.  (Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

His. 

Indicate  the  person,  and  throw  the  clinched  hand  edgewise  toward 
the  ground  a  short  distance  (stopping  suddenly  as  if  striking  a  resisting 
body),  the  hand  directed  toward  the  person  or  his  possessions.  (Kaio- 
ica  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

It  does  not  belong  to  me. 

First  make  the  gesture  for  mine,  then  wave  the  right  hand  quickly 
by  and  in  front  of  the  face  toward  the  right.  (  Wied.) 

Reference  having  been  made  to  the  particular  article  the  rest  is  ex 
pressed  by  the  sign  for  None,  I  have  none.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Not 
mine." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — The  same  sign  as  It  belongs  to  me, 

supplemented  by  a  shake  of  the  head.     (Ballard.) 

Use  the  sign  for  It  belongs  to  me,  at  the  same  time  shake  the 
head  as  if  to  say  "No."  (Zeigler.) 

Potato. 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  to  a  point,  hold  them 
upward  before  the  body  (size),  then  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the 
right  hand  similarly  collected,  pointing  downward,  make  several  motions 
forward  and  toward  the  earth  (planting),  then  with  the  fingers  and 
thumb  of  the  right  hand  pointing  upward,  curved  and  separated,  make 
a  motion  upward  at  arm's  length  (growth).  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Pour,  To. 

With  the  left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  stomach  to  represent  kettle, 
bucket,  &c. ;  then  the  right  hand  held  (A)  to  the  right,  and  below  the 
left  hand,  makes  the  sign  for  Cup,  and  is  so  carried  over  the  stationary 
left,  and  turned  up  as  though  pouring  its  contents  into  the  left.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "  Dipping  of  water  with  a  cup  to  fill  a  bucket." 

Prairie.    See  Plain. 

Praise. 

Italian  sign. — The  forefinger  raised,  inasmuch  as  to  say  a  thing  is  to 
be  extolled  to  the  skies.  (Butler.) 


204 

Pray.    I  pray  yon. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  is  held  toward  the  person  or  persons  addressed. 
Sometimes  both  hands  are  so  held.  The  Omaha  and  Ponka  Indians  say 
"  wi-bdhu-haV  I  pray  to  you,  I  petition  you;  or  "wi-bdhi-stu-be,"  I 
smooth  you  down  with  the  hand.  In  praying  to  the  sun  the  hand  is  ele 
vated  and  held  with  the  palm  up.  Say  (Long's  Exped.,  i,  384)  gives  the 
meaning,  43  :  "Be  quiet,  or  be  not  alarmed,  or  have  patience."  (Oma 
ha  I  ;  Ponka  I.)  "  Soothing." 

With  the  face  inclined  upward,  eyes  looking  toward  the  heavens,  both 
hands  are  brought  together  from  their  natural  positions  at  the  sides  of 
the  body,  describing  a  considerable  sweep  in  front  of  the  face  or  above 
or  below  it,  with  palmar  surfaces  looking  toward  each  other,  upright, 
lingers  extended,  thumbs  inward  (T);  then  the  body  and  hands  are 
lowered  toward  the  ground  (nearly  our  kneeling),  with  eyes  looking  up 
ward.  (Dakota  I.)  "This  is  much  the  same  as  with  civilized  people." 

The  countenance  placid  and  turned  upward,  the  arms  elevated,  and 
with  opened  palms  the  hands  vibrate  and  diverge  to  and  from  the 
body  in  imitation  of  an  angel  flying  and  in  execution  of  the  sign  for 
Deity.  The  hand  now  assumes  position  (K),  and  the  semi-extended 
index-finger  points  in  successive  jerks  from  the  mouth  upward,  a  rude 
imitation  of  the  sign  for  Talk.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Speaking  to 
the  Winiit'd-one  above." 


Deaf-mute  natural  sign.  —  Clasp  the  hands,,  across  each  other,  shut  the 
eyes,  and  move  the  lips  rapidly.  (Ballard.) 

Prayer. 

If  the  flat  hand  is  pressed  to  the  lips,  and  thence  moved  upward  to 
the  heavens,  it  indicates  a  prayer  or  address  to  Deity.  (Ojibwa  I.) 

Elevate  one  hand  high  toward  the  sky,  spread  hands  opposite  face, 
palms  up  and  backward  (X).  (Apache  III.)  "  Reference  to  God  —  desire 
to  receive. 

Pregnancy. 

Pantomimically  expressed  by  passing  both  hands,  slightly  arched, 
palms  toward  the  body,  from  the  pubis  in  a  curve  upward  and  in  toward 
the  pit  of  the  stomach.  (  Ute  I.)  "  Corresponds  to  the  rotundity  of  the 
abdomen." 

Pretty.    See  also  Good  and  Handsome. 

The  fingers  and  thumb,  so  opposed  as  to  form  a  curve,  are  passed  over 
the  face,  nearly  touching  it,  from  the  forehead  to  the  chin  j  then  add  the 
sign  for  Good.  (Long.} 

Another  :  Curve  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and  place  the  tip  on 
the  ridge  of  the  nose  between  the  eyes,  so  as  to  represent  a  high  Roman 


205 

nose ;  then  bring  down  the  hand  in  a  curvilinear  manner,  until  the  wrist 
touches  the  breast ;  after  which  add  the  sign  for  Good.     (Long.} 

Pass  the  extended  hand  (right  usually),  fingers  joined,  palm  toward 
the  body,  in  a  caressing  or  stroking  manner,  vertically  downward  in 
front  of,  and  thence  horizontally  from,  the  body,  in  immediate  juxtapo 
sition  to  the  face  or  that  part  of  the  person  desired  to  be  indicated. 
(Arapalio  I.) 

Same  as  Handsome.     (Dakota  I.) 

The  same  sign  as  for  Good.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  sign. — Arch  the  eyebrows  and  smack  the  lips.  (Bal- 
lard.) 

Priest. 

Italian  sign. — The  palms  laid  together  before  the  breast  and  the  eyes 
fixed  either  on  heaven  01  earth.  (Butler.) 

Prisoner.    (Compare  In,  Within.) 

The  forefinger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  are  held  in  the  form  of  a 
semicircle,  opening  toward  and  near  the  breast,  and  the  forefinger  of 
the  right  representing  the  prisoner,  is  placed  upright  within  the  curve, 
and  passed  from  one  side  to  another,  in  order  to  show  that  it  will  not  be 
permitted  to  pass  out.  (Long.) 

Sign  for  Take  prisoner  made,  and  the  hands  clinched  and  crossed 
back  to  back  as  though  bound  tightly.  (Cheyenne  I.)  ''Taken  and 
bound." 

Cross  the  wrists  a  foot  in  front  of  the  neck,  hands  closed,  backs  for 
ward.  (Dakota IV.)  "Tied." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Capture,  with  the  addition  of  the  sign  for 
You  or  I  when  a  present  individual  is  concerned.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  To  seize  when  in  battle." 

Both  hands  clinched,  the  right  laid  transversely  across  the  left  at  the 
wrists.  (Wyandotl.)  "  Tied  arms." 

Make  the  sign  for  Battle  ;  then  with  the  right  grasp  an  imaginary 
person  from  the  right  side,  extend  both  forefingers  toward  the  ground, 
the  remaining  fingers  and  thumbs  closed ;  place  them  side  by  side  and 
move  them  toward  the  left.  (Apache  I.)  "One  grasped  in  battle  and 
led  away  by  the  captor." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Place  the  fingers  of  one  hand  upon  those  of 
the  other,  indicating  the  cross-bars  of  a  jail,  and  then  point  with  the 
forefinger  to  some  person  who  is  put  in  jail.  (Hasenstab.) 


Italian  signs.—  The  vulgarism  "  to  look  between  bars  "  for  to  be  in 
prison  corresponds  to  the  gesture  which  is  made  by  crossing  the  fingers 
of  both  hands  before  the  eyes  so  as  to  make  a  checkered  grate,  or  by 
covering  the  eyes  with  the  fingers  of  one  hand  drawn  apart.  (Butler.) 

-  Specifically  for  captire. 

The  arms  hanging  down  and  wrists  together  or  crossed.     (Butler.) 

-  To  take. 

Both  hands,  fingers  slightly  hooked,  thumb  lying  against  forefinger, 
suddenly  thrust  forward  to  the  left  and  jerked  back  quickly  toward  the 
body.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  left  hand  held  about  18  inches  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  obliquely 
upward,  edge  of  fingers  outward  (B  2),  is  quickly  seized  around  the 
wrist  by  the  right  hand,  passed  from  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  back 
upward,  and  drawn  rapidly  in  toward  and  near  the  left  breast.  (Dakota 
I.)  "He  is  come;  1  have  taken  him;  leading  him  captive." 

Both  arms  are  Hexed  before  breast,  and  hands  made  to  execute  the 
sign  for  tight;  the  left  arm  then,  semiextended,  is  left  a  second;  then 
suv.nl  at  wrist  by  the  right  hand  in  type  position  (O);  palms  of  both 
face  the  ground.  (Oto  I.)  "One  taken  in  tight  or  misconduct." 

Property.    See  Possession. 

Prudent  or  Cautious.    (Compare  Danger.) 

Hold  right  hand  in  front  of  right  breast  or  partly  to  the  right  side 
and  lower  down,  palm  down,  gently  move  it  up  and  down  two  or  three 
times,  then  hold  it  still  a  few  moments,  and  gently  depress  the  hand, 
with  slight  bow  of  the  head  to  right  (Ojibica  IV.) 

See  Danger.  Prudent,  cautious,  are  not  the  opposite  of  fool.  (Da 
kota  I.) 

Place  the  tips  of  the  extended  fingers  against  the  temples,  then  point 
them  upward,  the  eyes  following  the  same  direction.     "  Superior  judg- 
(  Wyandot  I.) 


Purchase.    See  Trade. 
Put  it  back.    See  Let  alone. 

Quantity,  large;  many;  much;  number. 

The  flat  of  the  right  hand  patting  the  back  of  the  left  hand,  which  is 
repeated  in  proportion  to  the  greater  or  lesser  quantity.  (Dunbar.) 
Simple  repetition. 

The  hands  and  arms  are  passed  in  a  curvilinear  direction  outward  and 
downward,  as  if  showing  the  form  of  a  large  globe  ;  then  the  hands 


207 

are  closed  and  elevated,  as  if  something  was  grasped  in  each  hand 
and  held  up  about  as  high  as  the  face.     (Long.) 

Bring  the  hands  up  in  front  of  the  body  with  the  fingers  carefully 
kept  distinct.  (Cheyenne  sign.  Report  of  Lieut.  J.  W.  Abert,  lac.  cit., 
p.  431.) 

Both  hands  closed,  brought  up  in  a  curved  motion  toward  each  other 
to  the  level  of  the  neck  or  chin.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Clutch  at  the  air  several  times  with  both  hands.  The  motion  greatly 
resembles  those  of  danseuses  playing  the  castanets.  (Ojibica  I.) 

Many. 

A  simultaneous  movement  of  both  hands,  as  if  gathering  or  heaping 
up.  (Arapaho  I.)  Literally  "  a  heap." 

Both  hands,  with  spread  and  slightly  curved  fingers,  are  held  pendent 
about  two  feet  apart  before  the  thighs;  then  draw  them  toward  one 
another,  horizontally,  drawing  them  upward  as  they  come  together. 
( Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.)  "An  accumulatoin  of  objects." 

Hands  about  18  inches  from  the  ground  in  front  and  about  the  same 
distance  apart,  held  scoop-fashion,  palms  looking  toward  each  other, 
separated  fingers,  etc. ;  then,  with  a  diving  motion,  as  if  scooping  up  corn 
from  the  ground,  bring  the  hands  nearly  together,  with  fingers  nearly 
closed,  as  though  holding  the  corn,  and  carry  upward  to  the  height  of 
the  breast,  where  the  hands  are  turned  over,  fingers  pointing  down  ward, 
separated,  as  though  the  contents  were  allowed  to  drop  to  the  ground. 
(Dakota  I.) 

Open  the  fingers  of  both  hands,  and  hold  the  two  hands  before  the 
breast,  with  the  fingers  upward  and  a  little  apart,  and  the  palms  turned 
toward  each  other,  as  if  grasping  a  number  of  things.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Place  the  hands  on  either  side  of  and  as  higli  as  the  head,  then  open 
and  close  the  fingers  rapidly  four  or  five  times.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "  Count 
ing  '  tens '  an  indefinite  number  of  times.  " 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Put  the  fingers  of  the  two  hands  together, 
tip  to  tip,  and  rnb  them  with  a  rapid  motion.  (Ballard.) 

Make  a  rapid  movement  of  the  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands 
upward  and  downward,  and  at  the  same  time  cause  both  lips  to  touch 
each  other  in  rapid  succession,  and  both  eyes  to  be  half  opened.  (Has- 
enstab.) 

Move  the  fingers  of  both  hands  forward  and  backward.     (Zeigler.) 


208 

Horses. 

Raise  the  right  arm  above  the  head,  palui  forward,  and  thrust  for 
ward  forcibly  on  a  line  with  the  shoulder.  (Omaha  I.) 

Persons. 

Take  up  a  bunch  of  grass  or  a  clod  of  earth  ;  place  it  in  the  hand  of 
the  person  addressed,  who  looks  down  upon  it.  (Omaha  I.)  "Repre 
sents  as  many  or  more  than  the  particles  contained  in  the  itiass." 

Hands  and  fingers  interlaced.     (Macgowan.) 
Much. 

Move  both  hands  toward  one  another  and  slightly  upward.  ( Wied.) 
I  have  seen  this  sign,  but  1  think  it  is  used  only  for  articles  that  may  be 
piled  on  the  ground  or  formed  into  a  heap.  The  sign  most  in  use  for  the 
general  idea  of  much  or  many  I  have  given  you  before.  (Matthew.) 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  placed  before  the  breast,  finger-tips 
touching,  palms  down  ;  then  separate  them  by  passing  outward  and 
downward  as  if  smoothing  the  outer  surface  of  a  globe.  (Abxa-roka  I ) 
Shoshoni  and  Bandk  1 ;  Kaioical;  Comanchelll  ;  Apache  II;  Wichita II.; 
"A  heap." 

ifliich  is  included  in  ?l  a  n  >  or  Big,  as  the  case  may  require.  (Da 
kota  I.) 

The  hands,  with  fingers  widely  separated,  slightly  bent,  pointing  for 
ward,  and  backs  outward,  are  to  be  rapidly  approximated  through"  down 
ward  curves,  from  positions  twelve  to  thirty-six  inches  apart,  at  the 
height  of  the  navel,  and  quickly  closed.  Or  the  hands  may  be  moved 
until  the  right  is  above  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  So  much  that  it  has 
to  be  gathered  with  both  hands." 

Both  hands  and  arms  are  partly  extended ;  each  hand  is  then  made  to 
describe,  simultaneously  with  the  other,  from  the  head  downward,  the 
arc  of  a  circle  curving  outwards.  This  is  used  for  Large  in  some 
senses.  (Mandan  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Hands  open,  palms  turned  in,  held  about  three  feet  apart,  and  about 
two  feet  from  the  ground.  Raise  them  about  a  foot,  then  bring  in  an 
upward  curve  toward  each  other.  As  they  pass  each  other,  palms  down; 
the  right  hand  is  about  three  inches  above  the  left.  (Omaha  I.) 

Place  both  hands  flat  and  extended,  thumbs  touching,  palms  down 
ward,  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  face ;  then  move  them  outward  and 


209 

downward  a  short  distance  tow  ward  their  respective  sides,  thus  describ 
ing  the  upper  half  of  a  circle.     ( Wyandot  I.)     "A  heap." 

Sweep  out  both  hands  as  if  inclosing  a  large  object;  wave  the  hands 
forward  and  somewhat  upward.  (Apache  III.)  "  Suggesting  immensity." 

And  heavy. 

Similar  to  II ail.  except  when  hands  are  raised  close  the  fists,  backs 
of  hands  down,  as  if  lifting  something  heavy ;  then  move  a  short  dis 
tance  up  and  down  several  times.  (Omaha  1.) 

Plenty. 

Raise  the  arms  above  the  head,  fingers  interlaced  to  represent  the 
lodge  poles,  separate  and  bring  together  again.  (Omaha  I.)  "You  see 
hew  I  sit  in  a  large  lodge  and  how  comfortable  I  am." 

Another :  Same  as  the  preceding,  then  bring  open  hands  together  in 
front,  palms  down,  extended;  separate  the  hands  to  their  respective 
sides.  (Omaha  I.)  "  I  am  sitting  in  a  good  lodge,  or  have  a  good  tent- 
fire  here." 

Another:  Right  arm  curved  horizontally,  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers 
toward  the  breast;  then  slightly  extend  the  arm  and  describe  a  circle 
by  returning  the  hand  and  passing  it  inward  past  the  breast  toward  the 
right  shoulder.  (Omaha  I.)  "A  man  has  plenty  in  his  tent ;  gr  I  have 
plenty  around  here." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Stretch  the  left  arm  at  full  length,  and  move 
the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  along  it  to  the  shoulder.  (Bollard.} 

Question;  inquiry;  interrogation.    (Compare  Fool ;  In 
decision. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  upward  and  carried  circularly  outward,  and 
depressed.  (Dunbar.) 

The  hand  held  up  with  the  thumb  near  the  face,  and  the  palm  directed 
toward  the  person  of  whom  the  inquiry  is  made ;  then  rotated  upon 
the  wrist  two  or  three  times  edgewise,  to  denote  uncertainty.  (Long.) 
The  motion  might  be  mistaken  for  the  derisive,  vulgar  gesture  called 
"  taking  a  sight,"  "  douner  un  pied  de  nez,"  descending  to  our  small  boys 
from  antiquity.  The  separate  motion  of  the  fingers  in  the  vulgar  gest 
ure  as  used  in  our  eastern  cities  is,  however,  more  nearly  correlated  with 
some  of  the  Indian  signs  for  Fool.  It  may  be  noted  that  the  Latin 
"  sagax,"  from  which  is  derived  "  sagacity,"  was  chiefly  used  to  denote 
the  keen  scent  of  dogs,  so  there  is  a  relation  established  between  the 
nasal  organ  and  wisdom  or  its  absence,  and  that  "  suspendere  naso " 
was  a  classic  phrase  for  hoaxing.  The  Italian  expressions  "  restare  con 
27 


210 

nil  palino  di  naso,"  "con  tauto  di  naso,"  etc.,  mentioned  by  the  Canon 
DE  JORIO,  refer  to  the  same  vulgar  gesture  in  which  the  face  is  sup 
posed  to  be  thrust  forward  sillily. 

Extend  the  open  hand  perpendicularly  with  the  palm  outward,  and 
move  it  from  side  to  side  several  times.  ( Wied.)  Thi»  sign  is  still  used. 
For  "  outward,"  however,  I  would  substitute  "  forward."  The  hand  is 
usually,  but  not  always,,  held  before  the  face.  (Matthews.) 

Right  hand,  fingers  pointing  upward,  palm  outward,  elevated  to  the 
level  of  the  shoulder,  extended  toward  the  person  addressed,  and  slightly 
shaken  from  side  to  side.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — A  quick  motion  of  the  lips  with  an  inquir 
ing  look.  (Ballard.)  ^ 

Australian  sign. — One  is  a  sort  of  note  of  interrogation.  For  instance, 
it  I  were  to  meet  a  native  and  make  the  sign:  hand  flat,  fingers  and 
thumb  extended,  the  two  middle  fingers  touching,  the  two  outer  slightly 
separated  from  the  middle  by  turning  the  hand  palm  upward  as  I  met 
meet  him,  it  would  mean:  "Where  are  you  going?"  In  other  words  I 
should  .say  "  Minna  f"  (what  name?).  (Smyth.) 

1 1  as  he? 

l>«if-mutc  natural  sign. — Move  to  and  fro  the  finger  several  times 
toward  the  person  spoken  of.  (Larson.) 

Have  you? 


Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Move  the  finger  to  and  fro  several  times 
toward  the  person  to  whom  the  one  is  speaking.  (Larson.) 

When  ? 

With  its  index  extended  and  pointing  forward,  back  upward,  rotate 
the  right  hand  several  times  to  the  right  and  left,  describing  an  arc 
with  the  in<'ex.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Are  you  ? 

Deaf  mute  natural  * i;/ns.  —Point  to  the  person  spoken  to  and  slightly 
nod  the  head,  with  an  inquiring  look.  (Ballard.) 

Point  with  the  forefinger,  as  if  to  point  toward  the  second  person,  at 
the  same  time  nod  the  head  as  if  to  say  "yes."  (Zeigler.) 

Quick,  Quickly. 

Same  motion  and  position  as  Soon,  arm  slightly  more  raised  and 
moved  out  faster  and  thrown  back  more  rapidly  by  a  quick  motion 
(Ojibwa  IV.) 


211 

Both  hands  should  be  placed  horizontal,  palms  upward,  pointing  for 
ward,  about  three  inches  apart  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest, 
and  then  quickly  raised  about  eight  inches,  at  the  same  time  shaking 
them  a  little  from  side  to  side.  (Dakota  VI.)  "Idea  of  lightness,  and 
therefore  quick  motion." 

Quiet,  toe ;  be  not  alarmed ;  have  patience. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  is  held  toward  the  person.  This  is  also  the 
sign  for  Surrender.  (Long.) 

Place  the  forefinger  or  the  hand  over  the  mouth.     (Arapaho  I.) 

The  right  hand  with  palm  downward,  horizontal,  flat,  fingers  ex 
tended  and  pointing  forward  (W)  brought  to  the  front  median  line  of 
body,  and  about  a  foot  from  it,  and  then  carried  on  the  same  level  to  the 
right  side  of  the  body,  where  two  or  three  quick  upward  and  downward 
movements  of  the  hand  and  arm  complete  the  sign.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Sit 
down ;  be  quiet." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Hold  the  hand  still  in  the  air.     (Ballard.) 
Fold  the  arms.     (Larson.) 
Patience. 


The  open  flat  right  hand  is  laid,  back  outward,  over  the  left  breast,  and 
then  both  hands,  with  fingers  extended,  separated,  and  somewhat  curved, 
are  held  horizontally,  with  palmar  surfaces  looking  toward  one  another, 
a  few  inches  apart,  in  front  of  the  body  (P,  turned  horizontally)  (this 
is  Expanded,  large) ;  and  then  the  hands  are  closed  (fists  K)  and  passed 
slowly  over  one  another  with  a  slight  shaking  or  tremulous  motion  of 
the  hands  and  arras.  (Dakota  I.)  "  A  (large)  patient,  enduring  heart." 

Rabbit.    See  also  Hare. 

The  fore  and  little  finger  of  the  right  hand  are  extended,  representing 
the  ears  of  the  animal ;  the  hand  is  then  bobbed  forward  to  show  the 
leaping  motion  of  the  animal.  (Long.) 

Rain.     (Compare  Snow  and  Heat.) 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  Water,  then  raise  the  hands  even  with  the 
forehead,  extending  the  fingers  outward,  and  give  a  shaking  motion  as 
if  to  represent  the  dripping  of  water.  (Dunbar.) 

The  sign  for  Water  precedes  that  for  Snow.     (Long.) 

Scatter  the  fingers  downward.  The  same  sign  denotes  Snow. 
(Burton.) 

Imitate  its  fall  with  the  hand,  palm  down,  partially  closed,  fingers 
separated  and  pointing  downward;  then  move  the  hand  in  a  direct 
course  toward  the  ground.  (Arapaho  I.) 


212 

Both  hands,  fingers  and  thumbs  drooping,  held  to  the  level  of  the 
head;  fingers  slowly  closed  and  opened,  and  motion  downward  made, 
as  though  flirting  water  from  the  ends  of  the  fingers.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Carry  both  hands  over  the  head,  with  fingers  separated,  curved  down 
ward  (Q),  palms  inward,  thm  make  a  sloping  downward  movement  with 
the  hands,  flexing  and  extending  all  the  fingers  slightly  and  with  con 
siderable  rapidity,  as  nearly  as  possible  in  imitation  of  the  drops  of  rain 
falling  on  the  face  and  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  falling  of  rain." 

Suspend  the  hands  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  shoulders,  backs  for 
ward,  fingers  separated  and  bent  a  little  and  pointing  downward,  and 
shake  the  fingers,  or  approximate  and  separate  their  ends  once  or  several 
times.  Some,  each  time  while  separating  the  ends  of  the  fingers,  throw 
the  hands  downward  about  eight  inches.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  pendent,  with  fingers  separated  and  pointing 
downward,  before  the  right  side  and  on  a  level  with  the  head  ;  then 
thrust  it  downward  and  back  to  its  first  position,  repeating  the  move 
ment  two  or  three  times.  (Dakota  V,  VI ;  Hidatsa  I;  Ankara  I.) 

The  hand  is  held  on  a  level  with  the  top  of  the  head,  lingers  separated 
and  pendent;  it  is  then  moved  downward  rapidly  a  few  inches  and 
suddenly  arrested.  It  may  be  restored  to  its  original  position  and  the 
motion  may  be  repeated  once  or  oftener.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Both  hands  held  to  either  side  and  in  front  of  the  head,  palms  down, 
fingers  pendent  and  separated;  then  move  the  hands  downward  and 
back  again,  repeating  several  times.  (  Wyandot  I.) 

Raise  right  hand  in  front  of  breast,  say  fifteen  inches  from  body,  back 
upward,  fingers  hanging  down  (P  1,  with  fingers  hanging  down,  hand 
horizontal),  then  make  motion  as  though  sprinkling  water,  moving  hand 
up  and  down  from  wrist  out.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Sprinkling  water." 

Hold  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  side  of  the  head,  palm  down,  fin 
gers  pendent  and  separated ;  then  move  the  hand  up  and  down  a  short 
distance  several  times.  ( Ute  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  in  front  of  or  to  one  side  of  the  face,  palm  down, 
fingers  pendent  and  separated ;  then  move  the  hand  downward  and 
back  to  its  original  position,  several  times,  most  of  the  movement  being 
at  the  wrist.  For  a  very  heavy  rain  both  hands  are  similarly  employed, 
but  with  a  more  vigorous  motion.  (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — An  up-and-down  motion  of  the  extended 
fingers.  (Ballard.) 

First,  point  out  in  some  direction;  next,  move  the  open  hand  down 
fast  and  up  slowly,  successively,  and  then  nod  the  head.  (Hasenstab.) 


213 

Move  the  lingers  upward  and  downward.     (Larson.) 
Drizzling. 


Place  the  closed  band  at  the  height  of  the  face,  palm  down,  leaving 
the  index  pointing  downward  and  a  little  toward  the  left,  then  move 
the  hand  up  and  down  several  times.  (Apache  I.) 

Rainbow. 

The  right  hand  with  index-finger  only  extended,  and  pointing  upright 
(J),  is  carried  from  left  to  right  in  front  of  the  head,  on  a  curve,  and 
then  downward  toward  the  horizon  with  a  gradually  decreasing  spiral 
motion,  until  finally,  without  this  motion,  hand  carried  on  downward, 
with  finger  pointing  upward.  (Dakota  I.)  "  To  go  across  the  heavens 
wrapped  with  different  colors." 

Rash,  or  rashly. 

Indicate  by  quick,  unsteady  motion  of  hands  and  body,  agitate  both 
hands  and  body,  move  hands  quickly  to  left  in  front  and  to  right, 
palms  down,  with  jerking  motions  up  and  down,  most  violently  down 
ward,  head  shaken  a  little.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

Recently.    See  Time,  Recently. 
Relationship. 

Aunt  (maternal). 

Make  the  signs  for  Mother.  Hers  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
Sister,  and  Woman.  (Kaiotca  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Aunt  (paternal). 

Make  the  signs  for  Father,  Hers  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
Sister,  and  Woman.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Brother,  sister;  brother  and  sister. 

The  sign  for  Man  (and  for  sister,  of  a  woman)  succeeded  by  placing 
the  ends  of  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  one  hand  together  in  the 
mouth.  (Long.) 

The  two  first  finger-tips  are  put  into  the  mouth,  denoting  that  they 
fed  from  the  same  breast.  (Burton.) 

Place  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  in  the  mouth,  thus  implying  nursing 
at  the  breast  by  a  common  mother.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Tips  of  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand  placed  between 
nostrils  and  mouth;  brought  with  a  sudden  curved  motion  forward, 
outward,  and  obliquely  to  the  right  expresses  relationship  between 


214 

children  of  same  father  and  mother;  must  be  preceded  by  the  sign  for 
Tlan  or  Woman,  to  specify  brotlier  or  sister.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Put  the  tips  of  the  fore  and  second  fingers  of  either  hand  between 
the  teeth.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "  Two  persons  sucking  one 
breast." 

First  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  extended  (IV),  placed  obliquely, 
backs  outward,  on  the  lips,  or  their  tips  in  the  mouth.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  Nourishment  from  the  same  breast." 

Place  the  tips  of  the  extended  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  between  or  against  the  lips,  and  afterward  draw  them  forward 
about  a  foot,  the  other  fingers  to  be  closed  and  the  back  of  the  hand 
upward ;  then  make  the  first  part  of  the  sign  for  II  a  11 ,  i.  e.,  the  index 
horizontally  in  front  of  the  privates.  Sister:  The  same  as  for  brother, 
but  instead  of  the  sign  for  man  use  the  sign  for  woman  after  drawing 
the  fingers  from  the  mouth.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Sucking  the  same  breast." 

Another:  With  the  right  hand  closed,  leave  the  index  and  second 
fingers  extended,  palm  down ;  place  the  tips  near  the  mouth  and  jerk 
them  forward  about  six  inches.  (Dakota  VI.)  "We  derived  nourish 
ment  from  the  same  breast." 

Bring  the  right  hand  to  the  lips,  touching  them  with  the  index  and 
middle  fingers.  (Omaha  I.)  "To  suck  from  the  same  breast."  Ob 
tained  trom  J.  La  Fleche,  as  a  Pani  and  Omaha  sign. 

Thrust  the  first  fingers  into  the  mouth.     (Omaha  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  semi-extended,  with  hand  in  position  ( J  1),  modified 
by  being  held  horizontal  outward  and  index  extended ;  the  right  arm, 
hand  and  finger  now  assume  the  same  position  above  and  behind  left. 
Now,  the  right  index  is  brought  aside  of  left,  each  extended  parallel. 
Finally  the  right  index  is  brought  to  point  to  the  cardiac  region.  (Oto  I.) 
"  Two  separate  births,  alike  in  appearance  and  at  heart." 

Thrust  the  index  and  second  fingers  into  the  mouth.  ( Ponka  I.)  "  We 
two  sucked  from  the  same  breast." 

Brother  (said  by  male). 

Bring  the  left  arm  and  hand  to  the  left  breast,  as  if  in  embracing. 
( Wyandot  I.) 

-  Brother  (said  by  sister  or  other  brother). 

Make  the  sign  for  Brother  and  Sister,  followed  by  that  for  Man. 
(JTatoiral;  Comanchelll;  Apacltell;  Wichita  II.) 


215 

Extend  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand ;  bring  the  hand,  with: 
fingers  thus  extended,  opposite  the  inouth;  then  place  these  two  fingers 
between  the  lips.  (Comanche  I.)  "  Both  took  nourishment  from  the 
same  breast." 

Eight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  closed;  bring  in  front  of  the  right  side, 
extending  and  separating  the  fore  and  second  fingers,  which  are  slowly 
brought  together  so  as  to  lie  side  by  side.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Both  hands  closed,  forefingers  extended ;  bring  them  together,  verti 
cally,  in  front  of  the  body,  with  the  palms  forward.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  between  the  lips.  (  Wi 
chita  I.) 

Brother's  daughter. 

Make  the  signs  for  Brother,  Woman,  and  Born  (quickly  or 
continuously,  with  termination  of  last  sign  to  the  right  of  the  body). 
(Dakota  VI.) 

Brother's  son. 

Make  the  signs  for  Brother,  .VI ail,  and  Born  (to  the  right  side 
of  the  body,  and  quickly  after  or  continuously  with  termination  of  gest 
ure  for  .Han).  (Dakota  VI.) 

Brother's  wife. 

Make  the  signs  for  Brother,  Hail,  Woman,  and  Possession 

(Bis).     (Dakota  VI.) 

Make  the  signs  for  JHy,  Brother  (Brother  and  Sister  and 
Iff  an),  Bis  (made  to  the  right),  Same  or  similar,  and  Woman. 

(Kaiowal;  Coma nche  III ;  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Brother  and  sister. 

With  the  right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers 
extended  and  slightly  bent,  bring  the  hand  before  the  chin,  palm  down, 
finger  tips  nearly  touching  the  mouth;  then  draw  them  downward  and 
forward.  This  sign  is  made  when  the  person  alluded  to  is  present,  and 
has  been  referred  to  by  either  person,  or  an  inquirer.  (Kaiowa  I;  Go- 
manche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "  Nursed  from  the  same  breast." 

The  first  phalanges  of  the  first  and  second  fingers  are  placed  between 
the  lips  and  then  withdrawn.  This  represents  somewhat  faultily  that 
both  have  been  nourished  from  the  same  source.  The  sign  is  for  com 
mon  gender.  Masculine  or  feminine  may  afterward  be  indicated  by  the 
appropriate  signs.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Brother  and  sister  (said  by  female). 

Indicate  the  individual,  then  grasp  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  with  the 
thumb  and  index.  ( Wyandot  I.) 


216 

Daughter. 

Make  the  same  sign  as  for  Girl ;  then  indicate  Parent  or  Possession 
by  pointing  to  the  person,  or  laying  the  index  vertically  against  the 
breast  or  pointing  to  it,  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Offspring,  then  designate  Age  as  described 
in  the  sign  for  Child,  and  complete  by  the  sign  for  Woman.  (Da 
kota  I.) 

Make  the  signs  for  Birth  and  Woman.  (Kaioica  I ;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  the  finger  to  the  ear  (because  of  the 
ear-rings)  and  then  put  down  the  hand,  when  naturally  stretched  out,  to 
the  knee.  (Larson.} 

Daughter's  daughter. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother  (Sister),  Born  (to 
the  right  of  the  body),  and  Woman.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Daughter's  son. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother  (Sister),  Born,  and 

.Tl ail,  both  oft'  from  the  right  side  of  the  body.     ( Dakota  VI.) 

Family,  members  of  one. 

Grasp  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  with  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right 
hand.  When  more  fingers  are  used  than  the  index  thumb,  it  indicates 
more  individuals.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Father,  mother  (parents). 

The  same  sign  of  issue  from  the  loins  as  Offspring,  with  additions: 
e.  g.,  for  mother,  give  I  or  Uly,  next  Woman,  and  then  the  sym 
bol  of  parentage.  For  Grandmother  add  to  the  end  clasped  hands, 
closed  eyes,  and  like  an  old  woman's  bent  back.  (Burton.) 

With  the  right  hand  pretend  to  grasp  the  right  breast  with  the  ex 
tended  fingers  and  thumb;  then  draw  them  outward  about  twelve  inches 
Compare  Parentage.  (Absaroka  1;  Shoshoni  and  Bandk  I.) 

The  right  hand,  with  fingers  arched,  separated  tips,  pointing  inward 
toward  the  abdomen,  is  carried  in  and  out  two  or  three  times  with  a  sort 
of  grabbing  motion.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Part  of  the  same  body." 

After  making  the  sign  in  front  of  the  privates  for  II  a  11.  make  the 
sign  for  Mother.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Another:  Touch  the  right  or  left  breast  with  the  joined  ends  of  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand,  and  then  make  the  motion  in  front  of  the  right 
breast  \\  ith  the  fist  as  for  Old  man.  (Dakota  IV.) 


217 

Same  sign  as  for  Parent.     (Dakota  VI;   Wyandotl.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point  or  nearly 
so,  and  pretend  to  grasp  the  breast,  and  draw  the  hand  forward  about 
eight  inches.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  (signs. — Close  the  hand  while  the  thumb  is  still  up 
and  then  rest  the  thumb  on  the  lips.  (Hasenstab.) 

Move  the  forefinger  along  the  jaws — because  of  the  beard.  (Larson.) 
Father's  brother. 


Make  the  signs  for  Parent  (Father),  Possession  (His)  (to  the 
right),  Man,  and  Brother. 

Father's  father. 

Make  the  signs  for  My,  Father,  Over,  and  Father.  Some 
times,  for  illustrating  more  clearly,  the  sign  for  Aged  is  added.  (Kai- 
oical;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 


Father's  mother. 


Make  the  signs  for  lUy,  Mother  (parent  and  woman),  Over,  and 
Mother.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  HI;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Father's  sister. 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent  (father),  Possession  (His),  Man 
(to  the  right),  and  Sister.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Grandfather. 

.M;iTr<-  the  signs  for  Parent,  Time  long  ago,  Aged  and  Born. 

(Dakota  VI.) 

Grandmother. 

Ends  of  fingers  of  both  hands  touching  the  breasts  on  their  respective 
sides,  (this  is  mother),  then  make  the  sign  for  Woman,  by  drawing 
the  hand  downward  at  the  right  side  of  the  head  as  though  passing  a 
comb  through  the  long  hair,  and  then  complete  by  the  sign  for  Old,  by 
describing  with  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  body 
part  of  a  circle  after  the  manner  of  using  a  cane  for  support  in  walk 
ing.  (Dakota  I.)  " Denotes  an  aged  person.  Decrepit  age  dependent 
on  a  staff." 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent,  Woman,  Time  long  ago,  Aged 

and  Born.     (Dakota  VI.) 


Husband. 


Sign  for  Companion,    (Dakota  I.)    "United." 

28 


218 

Husband  (said  by  wife). 

Make  the  sign  for  Same,  followed  by  that  for  Jlaii.  (Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Mother. 

Touch  the  breast  and  place  the  forefinger  in  the  month.    (Arapaho  I.) 

Kight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  closed  inward  as  though  clasping 
breast  (mainline)  and  drawn  outward  three  or  four  times.  (Cheyennel.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Father,  followed  by  that  for  Woman.  (Absa- 
roka  I;  tihoshoni  and  Itanak  I.)  "Woman  parent." 

From  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  or  left  breast,  move  the  right  hand, 
its  palm  backward  and  its  fingers  semiflexed  and  spread,  near  to  the 
breast,  and  after  bringing  the  ends  of  the  fingers  together,  move  the 
hand  forward  again  and  half  open  the  fingers  and  spread  them.  Make 
these  motions  two  or  three  times,  somewhat  rapidly.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  In 
imitation  of  sucking  the  breast." 

Ends  of  the  fingers  of  both  hands  (S)  touching  the  breasts  of  their 
respective  sides.  (Dakota  I.)  "Indicating  the  mammjB — one  who  has 
nursed  a  child." 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent  and  Woman.  (Dakota  VI;  Wyandot 
I;  Kaioica  I-,  Comanche  III-,  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  sign. — Close  the  hand  except  the  little  finger  and 
then  rest  the  finger  on  the  lips.  (Hasenatab.} 


-Mother's  brother. 


Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Parent  (mother),  Possession 

(Her*)  (to  the  right),  Man,  and  Brother.    (Dakota  VI.) 


Mother's  father. 


Make  the  signs  for  My,  Mother,  Over,  and  Father.    (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  11;   Wichita  II.) 

Mother's  mother. 

Make  the  signs  for  My,  Mother,  Over,  and  Mother.    (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Mother's  sister. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Parent  (mother),  Possession 
(Her*)  (to  the  right),  and  Sister.     (Dakota  VI.)  . 

Nephew  (brother's  son). 

Make  the  signs  for  My,  Brother,  His,  Born,  and  Woman. 

(Kaiowa  I-,  Comanche  III-,  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 


219 


—  Nephew  (sister's  son). 


Make  the  signs  for  JHy,  Sister,  Here,  Born,  and  Man.    The 

signs  for  Hers,  Born,  and  Man,  are  made  to  the  right  of  the  body, 
nearly  at  arm's  length,  as  belonging  to  another.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche 
III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II). 

Niece  (brother's  daughter). 

Make  the  signs  for  Uly,  Brother,  His,  Born,  and  Woman. 

(Kaiowal;  Comanche  II;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Niece  (sister's  daughter). 

Make  the  signs  for  jfly,  Sister,  Hers,  Born,  and  Woman. 

The  signs  for  Hers  and  Born  are  made  to  the  right  of  the  body  nearly 
at  arm's  length,  as  belonging  to  another ;  although  the  sign  must  be 
made  at  the  speaker's  head,  the  sign  is  understood  as  referring  to  the 
preceding  signs.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Sister. 

Sign  for  Brother,  and,  if  necessary  to  distinguish  gender,  add  that 
for  Squaw.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Brother,  except  designation  of  the  sex.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  We  are  from  the  same  brother." 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Sister. 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  upward,  and  hand,  in  position  (UT  1),  modified 
by  fingers  being  approximated,  is  then  approached  to  the  mouth  and 
ends  .of  fingers  approximated  and  inserted  between  lips ;  the  hand  is 
then  withdrawn,  and  the  index-finger,  extended,  points  to  the  cardiac 
region;  the  hands  are  then  collected,  as  in  type  (A), and  held  in  mam 
mary  region.  (Oto  I.)  UA  female  dear  to  my  heart  and  lips." 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  toward  the  body,  from  the  pubis  down 
ward,  forward  and  upward,  then  elevate  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right 
hand.  (Utel.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — An  uninstructed  deaf-mute,  as  related  by  Mr. 
Deuisou,  of  the  Columbian  Institution,  invented,  to  express  Sister,  first 
the  sign  for  Female,  made  by  the  half-closed  hands,  with  the  ends  of 
fingers  touching  the  breasts,  followed  by  the  index  in  the  mouth. 

Sister  (said  by  brother  or  other  sister). 

Bring  the  left  arm  and  hand  to  the  left  breast,  as  if  in  an  embrace, 
then  elevate  the  forefinger.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Brother  and  Sister,  followed  by  that  for 
(Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 


220 

Sister's  daughter. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother  (sister),  Woman 

and  Born  (to  the  right  side  of  the  body)  in  a  continuous  movement. 
(Dakota  VI.) 

Sister's  husband. 

Make  the  signs  for  Brother  and  Woman  (sister),  Man  and 
Possession  (Bers),  both  to  the  right.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Make  the  sign  for  My,  Sister,  (brother  and  sister  and  woman), 
flers  (made  to  the  right),  Name  or  Similar,  and  Ulan.  (Kaioica 
I ;  Conianche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II,) 

Sister's  sou. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother  (sister),  llaii  and 
Born  (to  the  right  of  the  body).  ( Dakota  VI.) 

—  Son.    See  Child  (offspring);  Male,  and  Man.   (Arapahol.) 
Same  as  the  sign  for  Daughter,  excepting  designation  of  sex. 
(Dakota  I.) 

Make  the  signs  for  Birth  and  Ulan.  (Kaiowa.'!;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Son's  daughter. 


Make  the  signs  for  Born,  Born,  and  \Vomnii.     (Dakota  VI.) 
Son's  son. 


Make  the  signs  for  Born,  Boril,  and  Ulan.     (Dakota  VI.) 
Uncle  (maternal). 


Make  the  signs  for  Father,  Bis  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
Sister,  and  Woman.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wi 
chita  II.) 

Uncle  (paternal). 

Make  the  signs  for  Father,  Bis  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
Sister,  and  Man.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Wife.    (See  also  Companion.) 

The  dexter  forefinger  is  passed  between  the  extended  thumb  and  index 
of  the  left.  (Burton.) 

Same  as  Companion.    (Dakota  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Woman,  and  then  lay  the  two  forefingers  to 
gether  side  by  side,  straight  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Two  joined  as  one." 


(1)  Make  the  sign  for  Woman  ;  (2)  two  fingers  left  hand  extended 
(HT,  horizontal,  forward,  and  fingers  touching)  ;  (3)  both  fists  to  chest, 
con  amore ;  (4)  left  arm  circled  before  and  drawn  toward  the  body, 
(Apache  III.)  "(1)  A  woman  (2)  mated,  (3)  very  dear  to  me,  (4)  and 
whom  I  embrace." 

My  wife. 

Make  the  sign  for  Same,  followed  by  that  for  Woman.  (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Make  tlie  sign  for  Woman,  and  then  move  the  right  fist,  back  out 
ward,  forward  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  from  six  inches  in  front  of  the 
navel.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Woman  I  have." 

Wife  or  mother. 

,  The  hands,  in  position  (A.),  are  brought  to  the  chest  and  slightly  passed 
along  over  tbe  mammary  prominence.  The  right  hand  then  passes 
sweepingly  downward  and  outward,  palm  toward  the  body,  describing 
rudely  the  exit  of  the  child  from  the  loins  in  the  obstetrical  curve  of 
Cams.  The  right  arm  is  then  raised  and  the  extended  index  touches 
the  pnecordium.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Woman  or  mother  of  my 
heart," 

Repeat ;  often.    See  also  Do  it  again. 

Extend  the  left  arm,  also  the  index-finger,  and  with  the  latter  strike 
the  arm  at  regular  intervals,  from  front  backward,  several  times. 
(Wiecl.)  I  have  seen  this  sign.  (Matthews.} 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Put  the  fingers  of  the  two  hands  together 
(tip  to  tip)  and  rub  them  rapidly.  (Ballard.) 

Italian  sign. — A  man  who  puts  his  finger  behind  his  ear,  or  who  sticks 
out  his  chin  and  parts  his  lips,  wishes  to  have  something  repeated  which 
he  has  imperfectly  heard.  (Butler.) 

Retreat,  or  to  return  through  fear. 
Begin  with  the  sign  for  Traveling  moderately  or  Harehing, 

then  draw  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and  thumb  together  and  retreat  the 
hand  to  the  body.  (Long.) 

Both  hands  closed  (B)  at  the  left  breast  on  the,  same  level  and  nearly 
joined;  then  carry  them  outward  right  to  right,  left  to  left,  in  front  of 
the  shoulders,  with  arms  more  than  half  extended,  and  in  transit  open 
the  hands  so  that  when  brought  to  a  stop  the  palms  will  be  upward, 
fingers  slightly  separated,  curved  upward.  (Dakota  I.)  "Heart  was 
not  brave;  what  was  I  to  do? ;  would  seem  to  indicate  utter  helplessness 
under  the  circumstances.  In  such  cases  the  man  would  not  be  stamped 
a  coward.  See  the  conception  of  Brave." 


222 

Ridge. 

Right  band  horizontal,  back  outward,  fingers  extended,  edge  of  hand 
downward,  is  drawn  from  left  to  right  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  face; 
if  a  jagged  ridge,  indicate  by  upward  and  downward  sharp  movements 
of  the  hand  ;  if  a  level  one,  by  drawing  the  hand  on  as  nearly  the  same 
level  as  possible.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  appearance  of  a  ridge." 

Rifling  (horseback).    See  Horse  and  Going. 

River.    (Compare  Rroacl.) 

The  hand,  in  the  form  of  a  scoop  or  ladle,  is  carried  to  the  month,  as 
if  conveying  water,  and  drawn  along  in  a  horizontal  line  with  the  edge 
downward,  about  the  height  of  the  breast.  (Long.) 

Another:  Hold  up  the  fingers  ot  the  left  hand,  a  little  diverging 
from  each  other  (representing  a  mountain  range),  and  to  convey  the  idea 
of  the  streams  flowing  from  them,  place  the  index-linger  of  the  right 
hand  alternately  between  each  two  of  them  and  draw  it  away  in  a  ser 
pentine  manner.  (Long.) 

Open  the  right  hand  and  pass  it  before  the  mouth  from  above  down 
ward.  (  Wied.)  If  WiecFs  sign  is  complete  there  is  a  similarity  in  con 
ception,  but  the  (Oto  I)  sign  represents  the  conception  "water,"  and  that 
which  retains  it  at  sides  and  directs  the  flow.  "  Something  we  drink, 
retained  by  banks  at  sides."  (Boteler.) 

The  finger  traces  serpentine  lines  on  the  ground.     (Ojibwa  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Drinking,  and  then  wave  both  the  palms  outward. 
A  rivulet,  creek,  or  stream  is  shown  by  the  drinking  sign,  and  by  hold 
ing  the  index  tip  between  the  thumb  and  medius ;  an  arroyo  (dry  water 
course),  by  covering  up  the  tip  with  the  thumb  and  middle  finger.  (Bur 
ton.) 

A  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  palm  down  and  horizontal,  fin 
gers  joined,  indicative  at  once  of  the  flowing  of  water,  and  the  meander 
ing  of  its  current.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Sign  for  Water,  followed  by  the  sign  for  Snake.  (Cheyenne  I.) 
"A  river  is  flowing  water. 

Make  the  sign  for  Water,  then  plaee  the  extended  flat  hand,  palm 
down,  before  the  breast,  and  push  it  forward  to  arm's  length.  (Absa- 
roka  I ;  Shoahoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Eight  hand  to  the  left  side  of  body,  level  of  shoulder,  edge  of  fingers 
outward,  extended,  pointing  obliquely  downward  toward  the  left  (S 
turned  downward),  carry  the  hand  downward  on  a  double  curve  in  front 
of  the  body  and  toward  the  right.  (Dakota  II.)  "  Running  water." 


223 

Make  the  sign  for  Water,  (*'.  e.,  place  the  right  hand,  upright,  six  or 
eight  inches  in  front  of  the  mouth,  back  outward,  index  and  thumb 
crooked  and  their  ends  about  an  inch  apart,  the  other  fingers  nearly 
closed ;  move  it  toward  the  mouth,  and  then  downward  nearly  to  the 
top  of  the  breast-bone,  at  the  same  time  turning  the  hand  over  toward 
the  mouth  until  the  little  finger  is  uppermost) ;  then  draw  the  right  hand, 
its  back  forward,  the  index  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  left,  and 
the  other  fingers  closed,  from  about  two  feet  in  front  of  the  left  shoul 
der  toward  the  right  until  it  is  a  foot  or  so  outside  of  the  line  of  the 
right  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Long  water." 

Eight  hand  brought,  cup-shaped,  palm  upward,  to  the  mouth;  hand, 
as  in  type  (F 1),  modified  by  being  a  little  more  relaxed ;  both  hands  are 
then  extended  and  the  edges  held  vertically,  palms  facing,  but  hands 
apart ;  the  hands  in  same  relative  positions  are  then  moved  to  and  from 
the  body.  (Oto  I.)  "That  we  drink;  flowing  and  retained  between 
banks." 

Collect  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point  and  bring  it  to  the 
mouth,  palm  first,  then  wave  the  flat  hand,  palm  down,  horizontally 
from  right  to  left.  (  Wyandot  I.)  "  Broad  water." 

Unise  hands  to  sides,  fingers  extended,  palms  oblique  (X  1,  with  palm 
oblique),  then  at  same  time  move  both  on  parallel  lines  as  far  as  arras 
can  reach,  showing  a  trough;  then  place  right  hand  three  or  four  inches 
from  mouth,  palm  upward  and  hollowed  as  though  holding  water,  and 
move  it  quickly  past  the  mouth,  resting  in  last  position  just  in  front  of 
chin.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Water  running  in  a  trough." 

Put  hand  in  front  of  mouth,  palm  upward  and  hollowed  as  though 
holding  water,  and  move  it  past  the  mouth,  resting  in  front  of  chin ;  then 
from  a  point  in  front  of  breast  make  winding  movement  to  a  point  as 
far  from  the  body  as  arm  will  reach,  fingers  naturally  relaxed,  (Y  1, 
palm  vertical),  as  though  tracing  course  of  stream.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flattened  and  extended,  with  palm  down,  to  the 
side  of  the  right  hip,  then  pass  it  forward  toward  the  left  side  in  a  ser 
pentine  movement.  (Gomanche  II.)  "  The  hand  represents  the  flat  sur 
face  of  the  water,  the  movement  the  serpentine  course." 

Make  the  sign  for  W^ater,  then  hold  the  extended  forefinger  of  the 
left  hand  diagonally  in  front  of  the  body;  palm  down,  then  pass  the 
point  of  the  index  along  the  left  from  the  base  of  the  palm  to  the  tip  of 
the  forefinger.  ( Vte  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flat  and  extended  at  the  height  of  the  hip,  and 
push  it,  palm  downward,  in  a  serpentine  manner  diagonally  across 
toward  the  left.  (Apache  I.) 


Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — An  undulating  motion  of  the  hand.  (Bal- 
lard.) 

Move  the  forefinger  forward  in  a  circle  just  below  the  mouth,  indicat 
ing  the  motion  of  rolling  waves,  and  then  point  to  the  place  of  it. 
(HasensUib.) 

liaise  the  hand  toward  the  mouth  and  then  move  the  same  hand  in  a 
line  showing  the  flowing  of  the  water.  (Larson.} 


Across  a. 


With  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  describe  near  the  ground  a 
wavy  line  in  the  direction  of  the  geographical  course  of  the  stream 
indicated,  and  then  with  the  same  finger  describe  a  short,  straight  line 
across  the  former  and  from  the  direction  of  the  journey.  (Dakota  II.) 

Headwaters  or  source  of  a. 

Hold  the  extended  and  flat  left  hand  vertically  before  the  body  at  the 
height  of  the  elbow,  then  point  to  the  palm  with  the  index  and  make 
the  sign  for  River  away  from  the  left  hand  with  the  right,  (Apache  I.) 

Road. 

Having  the  opened  hands  eight  inches  apart,  pointing  forward,  palms 
upward,  in  front  of  the  chest,  move  them,  each  one  alternately,  back  and 
forth  about  eight  inches.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  pointing  forward  from  the  chest,  palms 
upward,  thumbs  an  inch  higher  than  the  outer  edges  which  are  placed 
nearly  together,  in  this  position  pass  the  hands  forward  nearly  to  arm's 
length.  (Kaioiral;  Comanche  III;  Apaclie\\;  Wichita  II.)  "From  the 
depression  usually  indicating  a  traveled  trail.'' 

On,  or'in  the  middle  of  a. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Road,  extend  the  left  forefinger  pointing 
forward  and  to  the  right,  then  place  the  tip  of  the  extended  index, 
pointing  downward,  upon  the  second  joint  of  the  forefinger.  (Kaioica  I ; 
CaiiKtnche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Wagon. 

Make  the  wagon  sign,  and  then  wave  the  hand  along  the  ground. 
(Burton.) 

With  the  right  hand,  forefinger  extended  and  pointing  downward, 
other  fingers  closed  (J  turned  downward),  describe  from  its  natural 
position  outward  in  front  and  to  the  left  of  the  body  as  far  as  the  arm 
can  be  extended  the  winding  course  of  a  prairie  wagon-road.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  From  the  winding  course  of  roads." 

Robe.    See  Clothing-. 


225 

Rocky  (as  a  hill). 

An  ascending  motion  of  the  extended  right  hand,  fingers  joined,  palm 
down,  toward  and  over  the  clinched  left,  which  is  constantly  interposed 
as  an  obstacle.  If  impassable,  the  right  hand  should  not  pass  over  the 
left,  or  the  sign  may  be  completed  in  this  manner  and  that  of  negation 
added.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Round  up  Cattle,  To.    Sec  Cattle. 

Run,  Running:.    (Compare  Walking.) 

The  arm  nearly  doubled  upon  itself,  and  then  the  elbow  thrown  for 
ward  and  backward,  as  in  the  act  of  running.  (Long.) 

Both  hands,  fists  (B),  carried  upward  on  their  respective  sides  to  the 
level  of  the  shoulders  and  then  make  the  upward  and  downward  motions 
from  the  shoulders  in  imitation  of  their  movements  held  in  this  position 
when  running.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  movements  of  the  arras  when 
running." 

Extend  and  point  both  forefingers  inward,  the  right  three  or  four 
inches  behind  the  left,  palms  backward,  at  the  height  of  the  breast, 
then,  while  moving  the  hands  forward  alternately,  throw  the  right  index 
over  the  left  and  the  left  over  the  right.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  are  flexed  and  fists  brought  before  body  at  center,  about 
four  inches  apart.  The  hands  in  position  (B)  are  then  moved  forward 
successively  and  alternately  as  an  animal  galloping  or  trotting.  (Oto  I.) 
"  Motion  of  limbs  in  movement." 

With  one  or  both  fists  placed  near  the  side  of  the  chest,  move  them 
forward  and  backward  as  in  running;  the  motion  being  at  the  shoulder. 
(Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — A  rapid  motion  of  the  feet  on  the  floor. 

(BaUard.} 

Use  both  arms  and  both  open  hands  in  a  way  similar  to  that  in  which 
the  legs  are  used  to  run.  (Hasenstab.) 

Move  the  hands  up  and  down  in  the  two  parallel  lines  from  the  breast. 
(Larson.) 

Kapidly,  swiftly. 

Lay  both  hands  flat,  palm  downward,  and  pass  the  right  rapidly  high 
and  far  over  the  left,  so  that  the  body  is  somewhat  raised.  ( Wied.) 

Sacred. 

Eight  hand  upright  (S),  palm  toward  the  left,  is  moved  straight  up 
ward  and  downward  in  front  of  the  face.     (Dakota  I.) 
29 


226 

Sad,  Sorry,  Troubled.     (Compare  A  lie  r>  . 

The  right  hand  is  partly,  sometimes  quite,  closed,  held  in  front  of  the 
chest,  almost  or  quite  in  contact  with  it,  and  made  to  describe  a  circle 
of  three  or  four  inches  radius,  once  or  oftener.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa 
I.)  "This  indicates  the  various  conflicting  emotions  which  may  be  re 
ferred  toby  an  Indian  when  he  says  'My  heart  is  bad.'" 

Both  ftsts  placed  before  the  breast,  palms  down,  thumbs  touching, 
move  the  outer  edges  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick,  then  place  the 
palm  of  the  hand  (or  the  fingers)  over  the  heart.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
"  Broken  heart." 

Saddle. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Hoixe,  then  turn  the  left  hand  outward  to 
the  left,  and  extend  the  flexed  fingers  so  that  the  hand  is  horizontal, 
palm  downward  ("W),  at  the  same  time  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand 
are  likewise  extended,  and  then  on  a  curve,  first  to  the  right,  then  up 
ward  and  to  the  left,  the  hand  is  brought,  with  palm  downward,  nearly 
crosswise  over  the  back  of  the  left,  which  it  pats  gently  several  times. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Indicating  saddle  from  its  position  on  the  horse." 

The  sign  for  Horse  is  first  made  by  drawing  the  open  hand  edge, 
wise  across  before  the  face;  the  front  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  then  straddle  the  index  and  middle  fingers  of  the  left.  Finally, 
in  representation  of  the  hand-made  and  reclining  saddle-tree  of  the  In 
dian,  the  two  front  fingers  of  the  right  are  made  to  stand  inclined  on 
the  front  and  back  of  the  left.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something 
astride  of  a  horse  that  inclines  before  and  behind." 

Pack,  To. 

The  clinched  fist  is  held  before  the  chest  at  a  variable  distance,  the 
second  row  of  knuckles  to  the  front,  usually,  the  forearm  being  semi- 
pronated  so  as  to  make  the  metacarpo-phalangeal  articulation  of  the 
index  the  highest  point  of  the  baud.  The  fist  is  then  struck  by  the 
palmar  surface  of  the  extended  fingers  of  the  right,  first  in  the  back  and 
then  on  the  side,  or  vice  versa.  (Mandan  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Salt. 

The  body  is  bent  forward,  and  the  palm  print  of  the  right  fingers,  in 
type-position  (W),  touch  the  earth  before  the  body.  The  open  hands 
are  then  approximated  before  the  body,  palms  in  contact,  then  diverge, 
the  right  index  touching  the  tongue  in  type-position  (K).  The  coun 
tenance  assumes  a  mien  of  dislike.  The  motion  to  the  ground  would 
indicate  the  salt-licks  of  the  plains.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Something 
from  the  ground — savory  to  the  taste." 


227 

Salutation.    Hand-shaking. 

"  He  shook  hands  " — with  the  party  greeted — "  and  then  pressed  his 
own  open  bosom."  A  Kansas  sign.  (Indian  sketches  by  John  T.  Irving, 
Philadelphia,  1835,  vol.  I,  p.  61.) 

It  is  noticeable  that  while  the  ceremonial  gesture  of  union  or  linking 
hands  is  common  and  ancient  in  token  of  peace,  the  practice  of  shaking 
hands  on  meeting,  now  the  annoying  etiquette  of  the  Indians  in  their 
intercourse  with  whites,  was  not  used  by  them  between  each  other,  and 
is  clearly  a  foreign  importation.  Their  fancy  f  »r  affectionate  greeting 
was  in  giving  a  pleasant  bodily  sensation  by  rubbing  each  other's  breasts, 
arms,  and  stomachs.  The  senseless  and  inconvenient  custom  of  shak 
ing  hands  is,  indeed,  by  no  means  general  throughout  the  world,  and  in 
the  extent  to  which  it  prevails  in  the  United  States  is  a  subject  of  ridi 
cule  by  foreigners.  The  Chinese,  with  a  higher  conception  of  polite 
ness,  shake  their  own  hands.  The  account  of  a  recent  observer  of  the 
meeting  of  two  polite  Celestials  is:  "Each  placed  the  fingers  of  one  hand 
over  the  fist  of  the  other,  so  that  the  thumbs  met,  and  then  standing  a 
fe  v  feet  apart  raised  his  hands  gently  up  and  down  in  front  of  his 
breast.  For  special  courtesy,  after  the  foregoing  gesture,  they  place  the 
hand  which  had  been  the  actor  in  it  on  the  stomach  of  its  owner,  not  on 
that  part  of  the  interlocutor,  the  whole  proceeding  being  subjective,  but 
perhaps  a  relic  of  objective  performance." 

Same ;  similar  to  what  is  mentioned  before.    (Compare 

Companion.) 

Place  the  two  forefingers  parallel  to  each  other,  and  push  them  for 
ward  a  little.  (Dunbar.) 

The  two  forefingers  opened  forward,  laid  side  by  side  as  in  sign  for 
Companion,  and  gently  pushed  forward.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Companion.     (Dakota  I.) 

The  forefingers  of  both  hands  extended,  joined,  backs  upward,  are 
carried  outward  from  the  breast  on  the  same  level  for  a  foot.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Xo  difference — both  the  same." 

The  hands  are  placed  in  the  same  positions  as  in  Ahead  and 
Behind,  except  that  the  forefingers  are  placed  exactly  side  by  side. 
If  it  is  to  be  shown  that  two  things  are  exactly  alike  or  constantly  alike 
or  beside  one  another,  the  hands  are  moved  forward  together  for  a  short 
distance.  (Marxian  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Extend  forefinger  and  middle  finger  of  right  hand,  pointing  upward, 
thumb  crossed  over  the  other  fingers,  which  are  closed;  move  hand 
downward  and  forward.  (Omaha  I.) 


228 

With  the  forefingers  only  extended,  place  the  hands  in  front  of  the 
chest,  palms  down,  so  that  the  extended  fingers  lie  side  by  side.  (Kaio- 
w  a  I  ;  Comanche  III  ;  Apache  II;  Wicliittt  II.)  "  One  like  the  other." 

The  forefingers  only  of  both  hands  extended,  placed  side  by  side  be 
fore  the  body,  palin  down.  (Apache  I.) 

Italian  sign  —  Lay  the  two  forefingers  together  side  by  side.  (Butler.) 
"  Union  or  harmony." 

Satisfied.    See  Glad. 


Same  as  the  sign  for  Cheyenne  Indian.  (See  TRIBAL  SIGNS.) 
(Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  use  of  the  saw." 

Scalp. 

Grasp  the  hair  with  the  left  hand,  and  with  the  right  one  flattened 
cut  away  over  the  left.  (  Wied.)  Still  in  use.  (Matthews.}  Although 
Wietfs  sign  seems  inexplicit  in  description,  there  is  a  remarkable  simi 
larity  in  the  execution  and  conception  between  that  and  the  (  Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I.)  (Boteler.)  ''That  part  removed  by  the  knife,  as  represented." 

The  left  hand  stationary,  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  stomach  (D),  as 
though  grasping  the  scalp-lock,  and  then  the  right  hand  (X),  with 
palm  upward,  fingers  extended,  pointing  obliquely  toward  the  left,  is 
passed  with  a  backward  or  inward  motion  under  the  left  hand  from  in 
front  of  it,  just  as  though  drawing  the  knife  inward  in  scalping.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  scalping." 

Rapidly  carry  the  left  hand  to  the  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  chest 
and  close  it,  back  forward,  as  if  grabbing  the  hair;  then  draw  the  right 
hand,  palm  downward,  from  left  to  right  beneath  it,  as  if  cutting.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

The  left  hand  is  raised  to  the  vertex  of  the  head  and  seizes  the  hair 
called  by  the  Indians  the  scalp-lock  ;  thus  firmly  held,  the  right  is  raised 
and  edgewise  executes  a  severing  sweep  around  the  forehead.  (Oto 
and  Missouri  I.)  "  That  which  is  removed  as  represented." 

Grasp  the  hair  on  the  top  or  right  side  of  the  head  with  the  left  hand 
then  draw  the  flat  right  hand  with  the  edge  toward  and  across  the  side 
of  the  head  from  behind  forward.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Scarce,  Few. 

Place  the  hand  in  the  position  given  for  Come,  when  it  is  moved 
from  side  to  side,  arrested  in  its  motion  at  intervals,  and  where  so 
arrested  is  depressed  an  inch  or  two.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


229 

Scissors. 

With  the  lore  and  middle  fingers  imitate  the  opening  and  shutting  of 
the  blades  of  the  scissors.  (Long.} 

Search  for.    See  Hunting*. 

Secret;  To  secrete.    See  Hide. 

See  ;  Seeing- ;  Saw.    (Compare  Look  at.) 

The  forefinger,  in  the  attitude  of  pointing,  is  passed  from  the  eye 
toward  the  real  or  imaginary  object.  (Long.} 

Pass  the  extended  index-finger  forward  from  the  eye.  ( Wied.)  Same 
as  my  description,  but  briefer.  (Matthews.) 

•Strike  out  the  two  forefingers  forward  from  the  eyes.     (Burton.) 
Two  fingers  projecting.     (Macgowan.) 

Place  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  (of  the  right  hand  usually),  sepa 
rated,  extended,  and  pointing  outward,  in  front  of  the  eyes,  indicating 
the  direction  of  supposed  lines  of  sight.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Pass  the  extended  index  forward  from  the  eye.  ( Absaroka  I ;  Shos- 
honi  and  Banak  I.)  , 

Same  as  Look,  To.     (Dakota  I.) 

With  the  index  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended,  and 
their  ends  separated  about  two  inches,  point  forward  at  the  height  of 
the  eyes,  the  other  fingers  to  be  closed  and  the  thumb  on  them,  back  of 
hand  upward.  Hold  the  hand  still  or  move  it  forward  a  few  inches. 
(Dakota  IV.)  u  Two  eyes." 

With  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  as  for  Seeing*,  move  the  hand 
from  side  to  side  several  times  at  the  wrist,  describing  a  curve.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

Extend  the  index  and  second  finger  of  the  right  hand,  and  move  them 
horizontally  forward  from  the  eyes.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  right  hand,  held  as  an  index,  is  placed  near  the  right  ear,  its  back 
almost  or  quite  touching  the  cheek,  and  is  then  moved  forward.  (Man- 
dan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  (or  both  index  and  second 
fingers  separated)  extended,  pass  from  the  eye  forward,  the  finger  tip 
pointing  in  the  same  direction.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  II.) 


230 

Another :  Draw  a  circle  around  the  eye  with  the  extended  index,  or 
with  both  index  and  second  fingers.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.) 

Close  the  third  and  little  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  lay  the  thumb  over 
them,  separate  the  extended  index  and  second  fingers  as  far  apart  as 
the  eyes,  bring  the  hand  to  the  eyes,  fingers  pointing  outward,  and  pass 
the  hand  outward.  (  Wichita  I.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — Open  the  eyes  wide  and  strain  them  at 
vacancy.  (Ballard.) 

Point  the  finger  to  the  eye.     (Larson.) 

Move  the  open  hand  up  and  down  successively  in  front  of  the  eyes. 
(Hasenstab.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  eye  as  if  to  see  something.     (Zeigler.) 

One  another. 

Both  hands  closed  with  the  palms  facing,  forefingers  straight,  flexed 
at  metacarp  il  joint  so  that  they  are  horizontal  and  pointing  toward  one 
another  at  a  distance  of  eight  or  ten  inches ;  sometimes  slightly  moved 
to  and  from  one  another.  (Absaroka  I;  bhoxhoni  and  JJanakl.)  "Sign 
of  To  See  with  both  hands,  as  representing  two  individuals." 

Seen,  or  Discovered. 

The  sign  of  a  Man  or  other  animal  is  made ;  after  which  the  finger  is 
pointed  toward  and  approached  to  your  own  oyes.  It  is  the  sign  for 
Seeing*  reversed.  (Long.) 

Same  as  Found.     (Dakota  I.) 

This  is  made  in  a  manner  the  reverse  of  See.   (Mandan  and  Hidatea  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Nod,  having  touched  the  eye.     (Cross.) 

Shame. 

Both  hands  to  front  of  face,  hand  and  fingers  upward,  back  outward 
(S),  pass  the  left  hand  slowly  from  left  to  right  in  front  of  the  eyes,  and 
the  right  in  same  way  to  the  left.  (Cheyenne  II.) 

Head  inclined  forward  and  downward,  eyes  looking  directly  down 
ward  ;  place  the  upright  hands,  with  backs  outward  (S),  about  three  or 
four  inches  in  front  of  face  so  as  to  hide  it  from  view  as  much  as  possi 
ble.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  covering  the  face  to  hide  the  shame." 

Both  hands  flat,  with  extended  fingers  joined;  place  the  left  outward 
before  the  left  cheek,  pointing  upward  and  backward  toward  the  right 
side  of  the  crown,  and  the  right  several  inches  from  and  before  the  left, 


231 

pointing  upward  and  forward,  backs  outward,  the  face  at  the  same  time 
being  turned  toward  the  left.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  II.) 

Sheep. 

Eight  hand  held  forward  from  the  lower  part  of  the  right  side  of  the 
abdomen,  palm  down,  arched,  fingers  slightly  separated,  and  make  arched 
interrupted  movements  forward.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Manner  of  the  movement  of 
the  animal  while  grazing." 

-Ewe. 

The  right  hand,  extended  and  slightly  arched,  held  before  the  body, 
about  two  feet  from  the  ground  ;  then  push  it  forward  over  a  slight  arc 
once  or  twice.  (Apache  I.)  "  Illustrates  the  animal's  height  and  inter 
rupted  manner  of  moving  forward  while  browsing." 

Mountain;  Bighorn.     (Ovis  montana,  Rich.) 

Move  the  hands  in  the  direction  of  the  horns  on  both  sides  of  the 
head  by  passing  them  backward  and  forward  in  the  form  of  a  half  circle. 
(Wied.}  This  sign  is  still  in  use.  (Matthews.) 

Place  the  hands  on  a  level  with  the  ears,  the  palms  facing  backward 
and  the  fingers  slightly  reversed,  to  imitate  the  ammonite-shaped  horns. 
(Burton.) 

Move  the  opened  hands  backward,  one  on  each  side  of  the  head  above 
the  ears,  palms  inward,  fingers  slightly  flexed  and  pointing  backward. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  and  straight  forward  from  the 
elbow,  palm  downward,  close  the  two  middle  fingers,  extend  and  crook 
the  index  and  little  fingers,  at  the  same  time  extending  the  thumb  so  that 
it  passes  downward  and  below  the  closed  fingers.  (Ute  I.)  "Curved, 
horns  and  nose  is  represented." 

Wether. 

Make  the  sign  for  Sheep,  ewe ;  then  place  the  arched  left  hand 
transversely  in  front  of  the  body  (pointing  toward  the  right)  and  nearly 
close  the  right,  and  make  a  movement  from  the  left  backward  and  down 
ward  toward  the  body  as  if  drawing  a  rope.  (Apache  I.)  "  Height  of 
the  animal,  walking  as  it  grazes,  and  the  long  tail." 

Shield. 

Is  shown  by  pointing  with  the  index  over  the  left  shoulder,  where  it 
is  slung  ready  to  be  brought  over  the  breast  when  required.  (Burton.) 

Both  hands  made  to  describe  a  circle  slightly  to  one  side  and  in  front 
of  the  body.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


232 

Shoes,  moccasins. 

Raise  the  foot  and  stroke  it  from  front  to  back  with  the  index-finder  of 
the  hand  on  the  same  side.  (  Wied.)  I  have  seen  this  sign,  (^fatthcws.) 
The  similarity  between  the  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  sign  and  Wietfx  exists 
more  in  the  idea  or  conception  than  the  motion  exerted.  It  is  not  prob 
able  that  they  ever  were  identical  in  execution.  (Boteler.) 

Draw  the  foot  upward  and  incline  the  body  forward  so  that  the  hands 
can  reach  the  foot  when  the  drawing  on  of  the  shoe  or  moccasin  is  imi 
tated.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  drawing  on  of  the  shoe." 

* 

Stoop  and,  with  the  fingers  in  the  same  position  as  for  Dress,  tunic, 
excepting  that  the  forefingers  are  to  point  downward  and  the  thumbs 
nward,  move  the  hands  from  the  toes  backward  through  slight  curves, 
one  on  each  side  of  one  of  the  feet.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Another:  Make  the  same  sign  above  the  foot  without  stooping.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

Both  hands  in  type-position  (W)  are  approximated  at  the  points  of 
the  index  fingers  before  the  toes  of  either  foot.  Then  the  hands  diverge 
and  describe  a  curve  around  the  sides  of  the  foot  to  the  heel,  from  which 
point  both  hands  are  pulled  suddenly  upward.  The  sign  is  perfect,  rep 
resenting  the  pointed  oval  of  the  moccasin  and  the  use  of  both  hands  in 
drawing  them  over  the  heel.  For  Boots  the  last  motion  is  extended 
up  on  both  sides  of  the  limb  to  midway  the  foreleg.  (Oto  and  Missouri 
I.)  "  That  which  incloses  the  foot  and  is  drawn  on." 

Shoot ;  shot.    See,  also,  Arrow  and  Gun. 

Discharge  of  a  deadly  missile. 

The  hand  is  clinched  in  such  a  way  that  the  thumb  covers  the  nails  of 
the  other  digits;  the  forefingers  are  then  suddenly  extended  as  in  the 
act  of  sprinkling.  This  is  much  like  the  sign  for  Bad,  but  here  the  arm 
is  not  moved  and  the  fingers  not  strongly  flexed.  (Mandan  and  Hi- 
datsa  I.) 

Struck  by  a  deadly  irissile. 

The  left  hand  is  held  before  the  chest  at  a  convenient  distance,  thumb 
upward,  back  outward,  fingers  slightly  bent,  and  is  struck  in  the  palm 
with  the  back  of  the  clinched  right  fist.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Short,  In  stature. 

A  short  person  is  described  with  right  hand  brought  up  as  high  as  the 
head  on  right  side,  forefinger  straight  upright  (J,  back  outward) ;  move 
the  hand  down,  keeping  fingers  upward  till  it  reaches  the  waist  or 
below.  The  body  is  usually  bent  to  the  right  a  little  in  the  movement 
as  the  hand  goes  down.  Short  distance  is  described  the  same  as  Close 
or  UTear.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


233 

In  extent. 

Place  the  hands,  palm  to  palm,  a  short  or  the  required  distance  apart. 
(Arapaho  I.) 

Curtailed. 

The  arms  are  seniiflexed  before  the  body ;  the  hands  approximated  at 
palms,  then  made  to  diverge  to  indicate  some  length.  The  right  hand 
then  approximates  the  left  and,  edgewise,  imitates  a  cutting-off  of  a  short 
piece  of  the  finger-ends.  The  word  does  not  seem  to  be  well  understood 
by  the  Indian  unless  applied  to  some  object,  in  which  case  there  is  a 
compound  sign.  ( Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Length  reduced  by  cutting  off." 

A  little,  short  extent,  or  time,  according  to  connection. 

Raise  left  hand  to  position  in  front  of  body,  forefinger  extended  hori 
zontal  (H 1,  changed  to  left) ;  then  raise  right  hand,  first  finger  extended 
(HI  2) ;  place  end  of  the  finger  near  end  of  forefinger  on  left  hand,  and 
move  it  slowly  up  the  finger,  resting  near  its  base  or  near  base  of  thumb. 
(Sahaptin  I.) 

Only  by  less  separation  of  hands.     (Apache  III.) 

Sick;  ill. 

Hold  the  flattened  hands  toward  one  another  before  the  breast,  bring 
them,  held  stiff,  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  move  them  forward  and  back 
ward  from  and  to  the  same.  (  Wied.)  As  is  evident,  no  similarity  of 
execution  or  design  exists  between  WiecFs  sign  and  the  (Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I.)  (Boteler.) 

Contract  shoulders  and  chest,  bring  hands  in  front  of  throat  and  chin, 
with  a  shrinking,  contracting  motion  and  a  shiver  (if  ague)  or  blow  short 
breaths  as  if  panting ;  then  carry  the  left  hand  to  the  forehead  and  press, 
indicating  headache.  (Ojlbwa  IV.) 

Touch  the  part  that  is  the  seat  of  the  pain  and  then  withdraw  quickly 
the  touched  limb,  or  flinch  at  the  pressure  made  on  the  part,  at  the  same 
time  the  emotions  of  the  face  express  suffering.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
fear  of  increased  pain  by  pressure." 

The  open,  relaxed  hands  are  to  be  quickly  thrown  about  four  inches 
forward  and  outward,  several  times,  in  front  of  the  stomach ;  fingers 
spread  a  little,  ends  about  four  inches  apart,  palms  backward.  (Da- 
kota  IV.)  "  The  pulsation  of  the  heart." 

Assume  an  appearance  of  distress,  with  general  features  relaxed. 
Both  arms  are  then  elevated,  seniiflexed,  and  the  hands  assume  the 
type  position  (Q 1),  modified  by  fingers  being  more  curved  and  less  rigid. 
The  hands  are  brought  tremblingly  thus  to  the  sides  of  the  body, 
chest,  etc.,  and  then  raised  to  the  forehead  and  the  extended  indices  made 
to  compress  the  temples.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  u  That  which  produces 
inward  or  bodily  distress." 
30 


234 

Place  the  tips  or  ends  of  the  extended  fingers  and  thumb  gently  over 
the  heart,  leaning  the  head  slightly  toward  the  left,  accompanied  by  a 
drooping  or  closing  of  the  eyelids.  (  Ute  I.) 

Another:  Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  (or  left)  hand  to 
a  point,  and  place  the  tips  alternately  to  the  right  and  left  sides  of  the 
chest,  accompanied  by  a  simultaneous  dropping  of  the  head,  with  the 
eyes  partially  or  entirely  closed.  (Ute  I.)  "Location  of  pain." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.  —  Place  the  hand  upon  the  breast  and  pro 
trude  the  tongue.  (Bollard.} 

Place  your  palm  on  the  forehead  and  shudder.     (Cross.) 

Place  the  open  hand  on  the  forehead,  and  then  move  the  head  down, 
with  the  mouth  half  opened.  (Hasenstab.) 

Put  forth  a  pajt  of  the  tongue  out  of  the  mouth  and  at  the  same  time 
raise  the  hand  to  the  breast.  (Larson.) 

Place  the  hand  on  the  breast,  at  the  same  time  open  the  mouth  as 
if  to  vomit.  (Zeigler.) 

-  Very. 

Both  hands  flat,  extended,  and  fingers  joined,  place  against  the  cheek 
bones  and  withdraw  slowly.  (  Wyandot  I.) 


language. 

Tap  the  back  of  one  hand  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  fingers  of 
the  other,  alternately  and  repeatedly,  then  close  both  hands,  leaving  the 
forefingers  and  thumbs  fully  extended  and  separated  ;  place  them  about 
four  inches  apart,  palms  facing,  and  rotate  them  in  short  vertical  cir 
cles,  in  such  a  manner  that  when  the  right  hand  occupies  the  upper 
portion  of  its  circle  the  left  will  be  below.  (Kaioica  II  ;  Comanche  III  ; 
Apache  II  ;  Wichita  II.)  "  Hands  and  conversation." 

Silence. 

Lay  the  extended  index,  pointing  upward,  over  the  mouth  so  that 
the  tip  extends  as  far  as  the  nose,  or  alongside  the  nose.  (Shoshoni  and 
Banakl',  Ute  I.) 

Sing,  to. 

Eight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  partially  unclosed,  placed  in  front  of 
the  mouth,  shot  upward,  and  slightly  shaken.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Ball  of  the  right  hand  resting  on  the  chin,  fingers  extended  obliquely 
upward  and  toward  the  left,  as  though  catching  the  words  thrown  out 
of  the  mouth.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Catching  the  words." 


235 

Move  the  right  hand  through  a  small  circle  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
back  forward,  fore  and  middle  fingers  spread  a  little,  extended  and 
upright,  other  fingers  closed,  thumb  on  middle  finger.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  Opening  and  closing  the  mouth  and  the  sounds  coming  forth." 

(1)  Put  thumbs  and  forefingers  spread  to  make  large  circle;  (2)  beat 
tip  of  right  hand  several  times  towards  it;  (3)  wave  forefinger  several 
times  quickly  from  lips  upward.  (Apachelll.)  "(1)  Drum;  (2)  beating 
accompaniment  on  it;  (3)  singing." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Put  one  finger  to  your  mouth,  opening  and 
shutting  it  alternately;  set  in  motion  your  arms,  after  the  manner  in 
which  a  singer  acts.  (Cross.) 

Singing,  Sacred. 

Move  the  upright  right  hand  in  a  circle  in  front  of  the  mouth,  the 
fingers  slightly  bent  and  separated  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  back  out 
ward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Sister.    See  Relationship. 

Sit  down. 

The  fist  is  clinched,  and  the  motion  of  it  is  then  the  same  as  if  it  held 
a  staff  and  gently  stamped  it  upon  the  earth  two  or  three  times.  (Long.) 

Make  a  motion  toward  the  ground,  as  if  to  pound  it  with  the  ferient 
of  the  closed  hand.  (Burton.) 

Quickly  lower  the  extended  hand,  palm  down,  indicating  spot  and 
action.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  held  to  one  side,  fingers  and  thumb  drooping,  struck 
downward  to  the  ground  or  object  to  be  sat  upon.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Shut  both  hands,  thumbs  up  (or  above),  raise  hands  a  little,  and 
lower  at  same  time  with  a  squatting  or  sitting  motion  of  body  if  the 
person  giving  the  sign  -is  standing ;  if  sitting,  point  lo  the  place  and 
make  motion  with  the  hands  and  arms.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

Right  hand  clinched,  outer  edge  downward,  and  pushed  toward  the 
the  ground.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Another :  Make  the  sign  of  To  sit,  but  make  it  toward  the  spot  indi 
cated  for  the  visitor  to  occupy.  (Absaroka}',  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Right  hand  in  natural  position,  fingers  closed  (A),  palm  upward,  ex 
tend  the  forearm,  with  elbow  fixed,  straight  toward  the  front  (1^),  and 
carry  it  toward  the  ground  or  seat.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Sitting  down  on 
a  chair  or  the  ground." 


236 

Incline  the  body  forward  and  move  the  right  fist  downward  about 
eighteen  inches  from  in  front  of  the  stomach,  at  arm's  length  forward, 
bent  upward  at  the  wrist,  and  back  outward.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Down 
in  a  bunch." 

The  clinched  fist,  thumb  upward,  is  held  outward,  usually  to  the 
right,  the  elbow  forming  nearly  a  right  angle,  the  hand  is  then  depressed 
and  suddenly  arrested.  This  is  a  modification  of  the  sign  for  May.  or 
Abide.  When  the  sign  is  made  imperatively  the  arm  is  sometimes 
stretched  toward  the  place  where  it  is  desired  that  the  person  addressed 
shall  sit.  Sometimes  a  particular  spot,  mat,  or  seat,  if  convenient,  is 
struck  with  the  fist  in  making  the  sign.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  at  the  place  where  you  wish  the  per 
son  (spoken  to)  to  sit,  and  make  the  motion  of  sitting.  (Cross.) 

and  smoke. 

Used  as  an  invitation  to  a  visitor,  and  is  made  by  carelessly  pointing 
to  the  individual,  to  indicate  person,  then  make  the  sign  Sit  down 
and  To  smoke.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Australian  sign.    See  Wait. 


Slave. 

Slave  is  described  the  same  as  a  Captive.  The  only  persons  used 
as  slaves,  or  so  considered,  in  wild  tribes  of  plains  are  captives.  Mexi 
can  children  have  been  often  taken  as  well  as  young  people  of  hostile 
tribes.  The  right  hand  clinched  (C  with  palm  forward),  upright,  on  a 
level  with  and  to  the  right  of  right  shoulder,  is  clasped  around  the  wrist 
by  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  with  back  of  hand  (left  hand) 
to  front,  and  pull  the  right  hand  to  the  front  twelve  or  fifteen  inches. 
(Cheyenne  II.) 

Sleep,  sleeping.    (Compare  Night.) 

Point  to  the  ground  and  make  a  motion  as  if  of  lying  down ;  then 
close  the  eyes.  (Burton.) 

Close  the  eyes  and  incline  the  head,  the  cheek  resting  upon  or  sup 
ported  by  the  extended  hand.  Time  may  be  indicated  by  this  means; 
"one  sleep"  (the  sign  for  sleep  and  one  finger  touched  or  held  up  alone) 
being  the  equivalent  of  twenty-four  hours  or  a  day.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Eight  hand,  palm  inward,  placed  by  the  side  of  the  head ;  head  drooped 
to  the  right,  as  if  to  fall  into  the  open  palm,  and  eyes  partially  closed. 
This  also  means  to  go  to  bed.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  and  placed  against  or 
near  the  upper  lid  of  the  eyes ;  very  short  motion  downward  and 
outward.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


237 

The  head  inclined  sidewise  toward  the  right,  against  the  palm  of  the 
right  hand  with  fingers  separated  (P).  (Dakota I.)  "Head  supported 
by  a  pillow." 

Close  the  eyes,  incline  the  head  toward  the  right,  and  lay  it  in  the 
opened  right  hand.  (Dakota  IV.) 

The  arm  is  brought  to  the  side  of  head,  with  hand  in  position  (T),  and 
head  inclined  to  right  shoulder,  resting  in  palm,  eyes  closed.  (Oto  I.) 
"  Best." 

Incline  the  head  to  one  side,  close  or  partly  close  the  eyes,  and  place 
the  flat  hand  to  within  about  six  inches  of  the  ear.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Place  the  hand  upon  the  cheek,  inclining 
the  head  to  one  side,  and  closing  the  eyes.  (Bollard.) 

Close  your  eyes  and  bend  your  head  sidewise  on  the  open  hand. 

(Cross.) 

First  place  the  open  hand  on  one  side  of  the  head,  next  move  the 
head,  the  eyes  having  been  shut,  down  to  the  side,  and  then  point  to  the 
place  to  sleep.  (Hasenstab.) 

Close  the  eyes.     (Larson.) 

Shut  the  eyes,  and  incline  the  head  as  if  to  sleep.     (Zeigler.) 
Italian  sign. — Lay  the  open  hand  under  the  cheek.     (Butler.) 
To  sleep  with  another. 


The  person  is  first  indicated  by  pointing,  then  place  the  forefingers 
of  each  hand  side  by  side  in  front  of  the  breast,  back  upward,  at  the 
same  time  inclining  the  head  a  little  to  the  left  and  partially  closing  the 
eyes.  (Dakota  V.) 

Cross  both  closed  hands  and  arms  before  the  breast  as  if  in  an  em 
brace,  then  lay  the  extended  index  and  forefinger  side  by  side,  palms 
down,  pointing  forward,  and  move  them  over  toward  the  right  so  that 
the  backs  of  the  hands  point  downward  toward  the  right  at  the  termina 
tion  of  the  sign.  (Ute  I.) 

Sleepless. 

The  head  is  held  nearer  the  middle-line  than  in  the  sign  for  Sleep. 
The  hand  is  then  raised  in  position  (]¥),  and  made  to  quiver  with  palm 
outward.  (Oto  I.)  "Unrest." 

Slow. 

Extend  the  left  arm,  curving  the  forefinger  and  holding  it  still.  The 
right  arm  does  the  same  but  is  drawn  back  with  several  short  and  cir 
cular  movements.  ( Wied.) 


Both  hands  in  trout  of  breast  with  fingers  extended,  &c.,  as  (W), 
pass  the  right  hand  forward  over  the  back  of  the  left  slowly.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Slow  in  motion." 

The  hands,  four  to  eight  inches  apart,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  chest,  with  the  forefingers  extended,  pointing  forward 
and  backs  upward,  should  be  slowly  lowered  about  eight  inches  and  at 
the  same  time  separated  by  bringing  the  elbows  to  the  sides.  The 
other  fingers  are  to  be  nearly  closed,  thumbs  against  the  middle  fingers 
or  under  them.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Going  backward,  and  therefore  slow." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — A  slow,  horizontal  movement  of  the  hand. 
(Ballard.) 

In  reference  to  walking,  walk  slowly  for  a  little  distance;  to  sewing, 
slowly  copy  such  a  manner  as  a  dressmaker  actually  does,  and  so  on. 
(Cross.) 

Small;   Little ;   a  few;  small  amount.    (Compare  Noth 
ing.) 

Pass  the  nearly  closed  hands  several  times  by  jerks  over  one  another, 
the  right  hand  above.  (Wied.)  There  are  various  signs  for  Little, 
depending  on  the  nature  of  the  object  described.  I  have  given  you  one. 
I  do  not  remember  this  of  the  Prince  of  Wied.  (Matthews.} 

(1)  Fingers  and  thumb  of  both  hands  closed,  hands  bent  backward 
from  the  wrist,  and  thus  (2)  crosses  right  above  the  left  before  the  breast. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

First  lay  the  open  hands  on  the  body,  backs  outward,  and  then  make 
the  sign  for  .Tl  :i  n,  or  the  animal  or  thing  to  which  the  sign  is  to  be 
applied,  and  then  close  the  hands,  fists  (A  1),  left  outside  of  the  right 
and  about  a  foot  and  a  half  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  and  the  right 
held  just  in  front  of  the  left  breast ;  carry  the  left  hand  inward,  and  the 
right  hand  .outward,  to  the  body  on  a  curve  until  the  right  fist  is  over  the 
left.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Denotes  small  in  body  or  stature." 

Place  the  right  fist  or  half-closed  hand,  about  three  inches  above  the 
left,  in  front  of  the  navel,  radial  side  of  the  fists  upward ;  then  bend  the 
hands  backward  as  far  as  possible  at  the  wrists,  and  move  the  right 
wrist  over  the  left,  at  the  same  time  turning  the  palms  a  little  upward. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "  So  small  or  so  little  that  it  can  be  held  in  the  closed 
hands." 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  (usually  erected)  is  pinched 
near  its  extremity  between  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  the  right 
hand.  The  degree  of  smallness  is  to  some  extent  shown  by  the  height 
of  that  portion  of  the  left  forefinger  which  appears  above  the  right 
thumb-nail.  For  extra  demonstration  the  eyes  are  often  partly  closed 
and  the  forefinger  pinched  tightly.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


239 

The  thumb  and  trout  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  collected  and,  as 
in  type-position  (G),  are  made  to  grasp  something  ;  or  both  hands  in  like 
position  are  held  parallel,  facing  each  other.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  That  contained  between  the  finger-ends." 

With  the  forefinger  only  extended,  place  the  inner  edge  of  the  extended 
index  about  half  an  inch  from  the  tip  of  the  forefinger.  (  Ute  L) 

Extend  the  thumb  and  index,  bringing  their  palmar  surfaces  to  within 
half  an  inch  of  one  another,  the  remaining  fingers  closed  or  nearly 
closed.  (Apache  I.)  "  The  positions  of  the  fingers  are  the  same  as  if 
holding  a  very  small  body." 

Hold  imaginary  object  between  left  thumb  and  index  ;  point  (carry 
ing  right  index  close  to  tips)  to  the  last.  (Apache  III.) 

-  In  size  and  also  in  quantity. 

Eight-hand  in  front  of  the  body,  mark  off  on  the  index-finger,  with 
the  thumb,  a  small  portion  of  it,  other  fingers  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  "  A 
portion  of  anything,  a  small  amount." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.  —  Put  one  forefinger  upon  the  other  a  little 
way  from  the  tip.  (Ballard.) 

Place  the  tip  of  one  forefinger  on  the  first  joint  of  the  other,  and  then 
half  open  the  eyes,  and  move  the  lips  from  each  other,  while  the  upper 
and  lower  teeth  are  kept  toward  each  other.  (Hasenstdb.) 

Put  the  open  hands  together.    (Larson.) 

Use  the  teeth  as  if  to  press  the  end  of  the  tongue  between.     (Zeigler.) 

Smell. 

Touch  the  nose  tip.  A  bad  smell  is  expressed  by  the  same  sign, 
ejaculating  at  the  same  time  "Pooh!"  and  making  the  sign  of  Bad. 
(Burton.} 

Fore  and  middle  fingers  of  right  hand  placed  at  or  near  the  nostrils, 
drawn  downward  and  forward  with  slightly  curved  motion.  (Chey 
enne  I.) 


Fore  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  extended  (others  closed) 
carried  directly  to  the  nose  and  then  forward  for  a  few  inches  m  front 
of  the  nose,  fingers  pointing  obliquely  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  "From 
the  act  of  smelling." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs.  —  Hold  the  nose  with  thumb  and  forefinger; 
or  imitate  the  act  of  sniffing.     (Ballard.) 


240 

Point  at  the  nostril  with  one  finger,  with  a  displeased  or  pleased 
expression.  (Cross.) 

Place  the  forefinger  beneath  the  nostril,  at  the  -same  time  raising  the 
upper  lip  several  times  in  succession,  as  if  to  smell  something.  (Zeiyler.) 

Smoke. 

Begin  with  the  sign  for  Fire,  then  raise  the  hand  upward,  with  the 
fingers  open  as  if  to  represent  smoke.  (Dunbar.) 

Snuffle  the  nose  and  raise  the  fingers  of  both  hands  several  times, 
rubbing  the  fingers  against  each  other.  ( Wied.)  The  rubbing  suggests 
the  old  mode  of  obtaining  fire  by  friction,  and  the  wrinkling  or  snuffling 
of  the  nose  indicates  the  effect  of  the  smoke  on  that  organ. 

With  the  crooked  index,  describe  a  pipe  in  the  air,  beginning  at  the 
lips;  then  wave  the  open  hand  from  the  mouth  to  imitate  curls  of  smoke. 
(Burton.) 

Similar  to  the  sign  for  Fire,  the  fingers  still  and  the  hand  ascending 
by  a  constantly  revolving  motion.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Sign  for  Fire  made  slowly.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Clinch  the  right  hand,  and  hold  it,  palm  toward  the  left  and  down 
ward,  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  portion  of  the  chest. 
(Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "  Holding  the  pipe." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Fire  with  the  hand  carried  up  higher.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "  From  the  ascent  of  the  smoke." 

Make  the  sign  for  Fire,  and  then  hold  the  opened  upright  hands, 
fingers  a  little  spread,  side  by  side,  in  front  of  the  face.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  Hides  everything." 

Close  both  hands,  place  them  side  by  side  toward  the  ground,  palms 
downward,  then  raise  them  quickly,  extending  the  fingers  and  thumbs 
in  doing  so,  and  make  spiral  curves  upward  a  short  distance.  ( Ute  I.) 

Snake. 

The  forefinger  is  extended  horizontally,  and  passed  along  forward  in 
a  serpentine  line.  (.Long.) 

A  gliding  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  palm  down,  fingers  joined, 
in  imitation  of  reptilian  locomotion.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Eight  hand  forefinger  pointing,  placed  in  front  of  and  on  a  level  with 
left  shoulder,  drawn  along  to  the  right  with  undulating  sinuous  motion, 
imitating  the  motion  of  a  snake  crawling.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


241 

Extended  forefinger  of  right  hand  (others  closed)  ( J  pointing  down 
ward  instead  of  upward)  in  front  of  the  breast,  move  it  in  imitation 
of  the  movements  of  the  snake  in  crawling.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
crawling  of  a  snake." 

The  hand,  held  as  an  index  hand,  pointing  forward,  is  held  near  the 
body  in  front  and  usually  to  one  side ;  it  is  then  advanced  rapidly  and 
with  a  tortuous  motion,  like  that  of  a  snake  crawling.  (Mandan  and 
Hidatsa  I.) 

Same  sign  as  that  for  Shoshoni  Indian.  (See  TRIBAL  SIGNS.) 
(Comanchell',  Pai-Ute  I.) 

With  the  index  only  extended,  palm  down  and  the  hand  at  the  right 
hip,  pass  it  forward  and  toward  the  left,  moving  it  from  side  to  side  (in 
a  serpentine  manner)  in  doing  so,  the  motion  being  made  at  the  wrist. 
(Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — A  zigzag  motion  forward  with  the  forefinger. 
(Ballard.) 

Move  the  arm  in  a  serpentine  form.     (Larson.) 

Point  with  the  forefinger  as  if  to  point  to  something,  at  the  same  time 
move  it  crookedly,  and  also  at  the  same  time  stretch  the  tongue  and 
move  it  to  and  fro  like  a  pendulum.  (Zeigler.) 

Snow.     (Compare  Frost.) 

Begin  with  the  sign  for  Rain,  then  the  sign  for  Air  or  Cold,  and 
conclude  with  the  sign  for  "White.  (Dunbar.) 

The  hand  is  held  up  about  as  high  as  the  head,  with  the  fingers  suf 
fered  to  dangle  downward ;  it  is  then  bobbed  a  little  up  and  down,  as 
if  to  throw  off  drops  from  the  ends  of  the  fingers.  (Long.) 

Scatter  the  fingers  downward.    The  same  sign  denotes  rain.    (Burton.) 

Imitate  its  fall  with  the  hand,  palm  down,  partially  closed,  fingers 
separated  and  pointing  downward.  To  indicate  Rain,  the  hand  is 
moved  in  a  direct  course  toward  the  ground ;  Snow,  the  hand  moves 
other  than  in  a  direct  course  to  show  drift,  lighter  fall,  &c.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Rain,  though  the  hands  are  moved  in  and  out 
more  than  in  that  sign,  as  if  covering  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From 
the  falling  of  the  snow." 

The  same  sign  as  for  Rain ;  but  when  it  is  necessary  to  distinguish 
it  from  rain,  it  must  be  preceded  by  the  sign  for  Cold,  which  makes  it 
the  same  as  winter.    Often  the  sign  for  Rain  or  Snow  is  made  with 
one  hand  alone.     (Dakota  IV.) 
31 


242 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain  and  Deep.  (Dakota  VI ;  Hidatm  I ; 
Arikara  I.) 

The  hand  in  position  of  sign  for  Rain  is  moved  downward  slowly 
and  with  a  wavering  motion.  (Man-dan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  face  is  cast  inquisitively  toward  the  sky  and  the  arms  and  cloth 
ing  collected  around  the  body  as  when  one  is  chilly.  The  right  hand  is 
then  raised  above  the  head  with  the  fingers  collected  much  as  in  type- 
position  (H  1),  modified  by  finger  ends  being  held  a  little  more  curved. 
The  hand  then  falls  by  jerks,  opening  and  closing  successively.  (Oto 
and  Missouri  I.)  "  Something  falling  that  makes  us  chilly." 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Rain,  but  are  then  moved 
down  toward  the  ground  and  outward  to  either  side.  Literally,  "  deep 
rain ;"  rain  being  indicated,  the  depth  is  shown  by  passing  the  hands 
outward  toward  their  respective  sides.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  as  high  as  the  head,  in  front  or  toward  the  right 
side,  palm  down,  moving  it  quickly  up  and  down  several  times  for  a 
short  distance,  then  indicate  the  depth  upon  the  ground  with  the  fiat 
hand,  palm  earthward.  (Apache  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Clouds;  then  the  hand  descends  from  above 
the  head  (Q),  tips  down;  when  near  the  earth  wave  the  hand.  To 
show  depth  of  snow  on  earth  spread  both  hands,  palms  down  (W). 
(Apache  III.)  "  Represents  the  varying  motion  of  snow-flakes." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  shirt  bosom,  signifying  the 
color  white,  and  move  up  and  down  the  extended  fingers.  (Ballard.) 

Do  the  same  as  to  say  rain,  except  point  with  the  forefinger  to  some 
object  that  is  white,  indicating  the  whiteness  of  snow.  (Ha-senstab.) 

Put  the  hands  toward  the  breast  and  shake  the  body,  and  then  move 
the  outstretched  hands  upward  and  downward.  (Larson.) 

Soap. 

The  right-hand  clinched  (D),  is  rubbed  on  the  left  forearm,  just  above 
the  wrist.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  its  use  in  washing  clothes." 

Son. 

Open  the  left  hand  and  strike  against  it  several  times  with  the  right 
(with  the  backs  of  the  fingers)  [which  also  means  Hard] ;  then  strike 
on  the  opposite  side  so  as  to  indicate  the  reunion.  (Wied.)  The  sup 
posed  yielding  substance  is  restored  by  the  second  stroke  to  its  former 
shape. 


243 

Take  some  soft  body  in  the  hand,  and  touch  and  handle  it  lightly, 
alternately  with  each  hand,  held  as  though  molding  it  into  a  round  ball- 
(Dakota  I.)  u  Handling  the  substance  gently,  so  as  not  to  injure  it." 

With  the  hands  three  or  four  inches  apart,  pointing  forward,  palms 
downward,  fingers  relaxed,  lower  them  about  four  inches  slowly  and 
raise  them  rather  rapidly  several  times.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Yields  and 
springs  back  ;  therefore  is  soft." 

With  the  finger  and  thumb  of  the  righj  hand  approximated  to  a  point, 
pretend  to  pick  some  pulverulent  substance  from  the  palm  of  the  left, 
keep  working  the  tips  of  the  right  as  if  allowing  the  contents  to  fall 
slowly  back  again  into  the  left.  (Kaiowal;  Comanclie  III  ;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Made  only  by  rubbing  folds  of  cloth  (flexibility),  or  imitating  the 
crumbling  of  bread.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign.  —  Squeeze  softly  the  clinched  hand.      (Cross.) 
See  Earth. 


Soldier  (American). 

Pass  each  hand  down  the  outer  seam  of  the  pants.  (Sac,  Fox,  and 
Kickapoo  I.)  "  Stripes." 

Sign  for  White  JI  a  11  and  then  for  Fort.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From 
his  fortified  place  of  abode." 

Extend  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  ;  place  the  thumb  on  the  same 
plane  close  beside  them,  and  then  bring  the  thumb  side  of  the  hand 
horizontally  against  the  middle  of  the  forehead,  palm  downward  and 
little  finger  to  the  front.  (Dakota  II.)  "  Visor  of  forage  cap." 

The  nearly  closed  hands,  thumbs  against  the  middle  of  the  forefingers, 
being  placed  with  their  thumbs  near  together  in  front  of  the  body,  palms 
forward,  separate  them  about  two  feet.  (Dakota  IV.)  "All  in  a  line 
in  front." 

Another:  First  make  the  sign  for  soldier,  then  that  for  White 
mail.  (Dakota  IV.)  % 

Place  the  radial  sides  of  the  clinched  hands  together  before  the  chest, 
then  draw  them  horizontally  apart.  (Dakota  VI.)  "All  in  a  line." 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand,  palm  downward,  horizontally 
against  the  forehead.  (  Ute  J.)  "  Visor  of  the  cap." 

-  Arikara. 


Make  the  sign  for  Arikara,  and  that  for  Brave.     (Arikara  I.) 


244 

Dakota. 

Make  the  sign  for  Dakota,  and  that  for  Soldier.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Soldiers  coming, 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  spead,  place  obliquely  upward  and  in 
front  of  the  breast,  right  above  left  a  short  distance ;  moved  alternately 
and  successively  from  right  to  left.  ( Ute  I.)  "  The  movement  of  bayo 
nets  in  a  charge." 

Some.     (Part  of  a  number  of  persons  or  objects.) 

Extend  the  index,  hold  the  palm  down,  and  imitate  the  motion  of 
indicating  different  individuals  or  articles  from  left  to  right.  (Kaioica 
I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Son.    See  Relationship. 

Soon.    See  Time,  Soon.     (Compare  Wear.) 

Sorrow.    (Occasioned  by  filial  disrespect.) 

Right  hand  next  to  the  heart,  palm  in,  fingers  slightly  curved;  then 
make  a  circular  movement  forward  and  outward  toward  front.  ( Omaha  I.) 

Sorry.    See  Sad. 

Soup. 
Sign  for  Kettle,  setting  on  the  fire,  and  then  that  for  Drinking". 

(Dakota  I.) 

Sour. 

Simulate  tasting  anything  sour,  i.  e.,  act  of  tasting  and  expression  of 
face.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Tip  of  forefinger  touched  against  the  tip  of  the  tongue ;  then  make 
the  sign  for  Hard.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Raise  the  right  hand  to  the  mouth,  as  though  having  the  substance 
to  be  tasted  in  it,  and  then  spit.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Not  liking  the  taste." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Make  wry  mouths.     (Ballard.) 

Touch  the  tongue^ shaking  the  head,  with  a  look  expressive  of  dis 
pleasure.  (Cross.) 

Close  the  eyes  a  little  and  shake  the  head.     (Larson.) 

Space;  extent. 

The  left  arm  and  hand  are  extended.  The*  right  hand  is  then  brought 
(as  in  S  1  modified  by  being  horizontal)  to  left  and  drawn  across  left 
arm  edgewise  at  successive  points.  (Oto  I.)  "That  is  composed  of 
smaller  parts ;  many  added." 


245 

Speak ;  speech. 

The  motion  is  like  sprinkling  water  from  the  mouth  by  springing  the 
forefinger  from  the  thumb,  the  hand  following  a  short  distance  from  the 
mouth  at  each  resilience,  to  show  the  direction  of  the  word,  or  to  whom 
it  is  addressed ;  this  motion  is  repeated  three  or  four  times.  (Long.} 

Place  the  flat  hand,  back  downward,  before  the  mouth,  and  move  it 
forward  two  or  three  times.  ( Wied.)  My  description  is  the  same  as 
this,  but  more  precise.  I  believe  I  said  the  thumb  is  held  forward.  A 
knowledge  of  this  fact  would  be  essential  to  one  who  wished  to  imitate 
the  sign  correctly.  (Mattheics)  There  is  sufficient  similarity  to  Wied's 
sign  in  the  position  of  the  hand  and  forward  movement  to  justify  a  sup 
position  of  former  identity  between  that  and  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  The 
curved  position  of  the  fingers  in  the  latter  sign  is  not  invariable.  (Bote- 
ler.) 

Extend  the  open  hand  from  the  mouth.     (Burton.) 

Fingers  used  as  if  picking  something  from  the  mouth.     (Macgoican.) 

Point  the  extended  forefinger  as  from  the  mouth.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Forefingers  of  both  hands  crooked  inward,  as  in  making  the  sign  for 
.Morn in;; ;  motion  backward  and  forward  from  mouth.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  gestures  by  which  "  speaking"  is  described  are  made  close  to  the 
mouth.  If  the  hand  is  passed  several  times  across  the  lips  it  means 
addressing  the  people,  Harangue.  If  the  fingers  of  both  hands  are 
crossed  before  the  mouth  like  a  pair  of  scissors,  it  means  a  Dialogue. 
(Ojibu-a  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Sing1,  excepting  the  hand  is  carried  farther  out 
ward  from  the  mouth.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Carrying  the  words  out  of  the 
mouth." 

Place  the  right  hand  just  in  front  of  the  mouth,  palm  forward,  index 
half  flexed,  other  fingers  closed,  thumb  against  middle  finger ;  move  the 
hand  at  the  wrist  forward  two  or  three  times  through  an  arc  of  about 
six  inches,  each  time  bringing  the  end  of  the  index  against  the  end  of 
the  thumb.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Opening  and  closing  the  mouth,  and  the 
sounds  coming  forth." 

Pass  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  forward  from  the  mouth. 
(Pai-Utel.) 

Place  the  knuckles  of  the  right  hand  against  the  lips,  and  make  the 
motion  of  flipping  water  from  the  index,  each  flip  casting  the  hand  and 
arm  from  the  mouth  a  foot  or  so,  then  bringing  it  back  in  the  same  posi 
tion.  (Wichita  I.) 


246 

Place  the  flat  right  hand,  palin  up,  lingers  pointing  to  the  left,  a  short 
distance  before  the  chin,  and  move  it  forward.  This  is  sometimes 
repeated  three  or  four  times.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  right  hand,  not  very  rigidly  extended,  palm  upward,  thumb  for 
ward,  is  held  in  contact  with  the  lower  lip  ;  it  is  then  moved  forward  a 
few  inches,  and  restored  to  its  original  position.  These  motions  are 
repeated  once  or  ofteuer.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  brought  to  the  mouth,  palm  upward,  index-linger 
crooked,  the  others  somewhat  collected,  and  hand  slightly  cup-shaped. 
The  hand  and  arm  is  then  extended  from  the  mouth,  opening  and  clos 
ing  partly  by  successive  and  delicate  jerks  toward  the  person  or  object 
addressed.  The  position  of  the  hand  is  not  invariable,  and  the  true 
origin  of  the  sign  seems  to  be  more  in  the  conception  of  something  coming 
at  intervals  from  the  mouth.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  u  Opening  of  the 
mouth  and  that  which  issues  therefrom." 

Close  the  hand,  except  the  index-finger,  and,  first  touching  with  this 
the  mouth,  move  it  forward,  back  upward,  partly  closing  and  opening 
the  finger  with  a  rapid  motion.  (Iroquoia  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  to  the  right  side  of  the  mouth,  fingers  pointing 
forward,  palm  down,  when  the  fingers  and  thumb  are  slowly  opened 
and  closed,  representing  the  opening  and  closing  of  the  lips  in  speak 
ing.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Pass  the  right  hand,  palm  up,  forward  from  the  chin.  (Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Move  the  lips  as  if  to  speak.     (Zeigler.) 

Another  speaks. 

Place  the  hand  as  in  the  sign  for  Speak,  beginning  farther  from  the 
mouth,  drawing  it  nearer  and  nearer.  ( Wied.)  I  have  seen  this  sign. 
( Matthews . ) 

Conversation. 

Several  repetitions  of  the  sign  for  Speak.     (Arapalio  I.) 

Make  the  same  sign  as  Tell,  but  with  both  hands,  and  toward  each 
other.  (Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

I  will  speak  to  you.    An  interview. 

Bight  arm  flexed  at  elbow,  and  hand  collected  as  in  type  (CJ  1),  modi 
fied  by  being  inverted  and  palm  turned  up.  The  arm  and  fingers  are 
then  suddenly  extended,  after  being  brought  to  the  position  of  the 
heart.  (Oto  I.)  "Approach;  I  will  open  myself  to  you." 


247 


Talking  (one  person). 


Throw  the  opened,  relaxed,  right  hand,  pointing  forward,  palm  up 
ward  and  inward,  six  or  eight  inches  toward  the  left,  several  times. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Two  or  more  persons  conversing. 

Both  hands  being  opened,  relaxed,  and  pointing  forward  eighteen 
inches  apart,  palms  upward  and  a  little  inward,  move  them  inward  until 
near  together  three  or  four  times ;  or,  having  the  hands  near  together, 
move  them  from  side  to  side  several  times,  turning  the  ends  obliquely, 
first  toward  the  right  and  then  toward  the  left,  moving  them  from  the 
wrists  alone,  or  moving  forearms  also.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Or  talk  in  council. 

The  right  arm  is  raised,  flexed  at  elbow,  and  the  hand  brought  to  the 
mouth  in  type-position  (CJ  1,  modified  by  being  inverted),  palm  up,  and 
the  index-finger  being  more  open.  The  hand  then  passes  from  the  mouth 
in  jerks,  opening  and  closing  successively;  then  the  right  hand  in  posi 
tion  (S  1),  horizontal,  marks  off  divisions  on  the  left  arm  extended. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That which  issues  from  the  mouth  continuously 
or  in  parts." 

Tell  me. 


Place  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  upward,  about  fifteen  inches  in  front 
of  the  right  side  of  the  face,  fingers  pointing  to  the  left  and  front ;  then 
draw  the  hand  inward  toward  and  against  the  bottom  of  the  chin.  (Ab- 
saroka  I ;  Hidatsa  1 ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Ankara  1 ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  1.) 

Place  right  hand  (Y  1),  slightly  strained  at  the  wrist,  as  though  hold 
ing  something  on  it)  at  a  point,  say  a  foot  from  the  mouth,  and  move  it 
toward  the  mouth  two  or  three  times.  All  the  motion  by  the  forearm, 
the  arm  to  the  elbow  lying  against  the  side.  (Sahaptin  I).  "  Pouring 
in  or  being  fed." 

I  have  told  you. 

Move  the  opened  relaxed  right  hand  from  the  mouth  straight  forward 
about  a  foot,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left,  palm  upward.  (Dakota 
IV.) 

Told  me,  a  person. 

Eeverse  the  movement  of  the  right  hand  as  given  in  the  sign  for 
Talk,  i.  e.j  the  hands  drawn  inward  toward  the  face,  as  though  catch 
ing  the  words  as  uttered  by  another  person,  and  carrying  it  to  your  own 
mouth.  (Dakota  I.) 


248 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — A  rapid  motion  of  the  lips  as  if  iii  the  act 
of  speaking,  and  move  the  finger  to  the  bosom  after  some  sign  for  the 
person  telling.  (Ballard.) 

Spear.    See  Lance. 

Spoon. 

Right  hand  in  front  of  body  with  thumb  and  forefinger  bent  in  resem 
blance  to  the  shape  of  the  bowl  of  a  spoon  as  much  as  possible.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "Bowl  of  a  spoon." 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  and  seuii-exteuded,  the  index-finger  and 
thumb  are  approximated  at  ends,  as  in  position  (H),  other  fingers  are 
closed.  The  right  hand  is  then  made  to  scoop  downward  and  inward, 
with  the  index  and  middle  fingers  approximated  and  curved,  palni 
inward.  The  ring  and  little  fingers  are  closed.  The  right  hand  then 
approaches  the  left  in  the  above  position,  which  is  now  taken  to  the 
mouth.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  shape,  size,  and  use  of  the  instru 
ment  is  indicated." 

Spotted. 

\Yith  the  extended  index  make  repeated  transverse  cuts  across  the 
extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  with  its  palm  inward  and  fingers  pointing  forward, 
and  alternately  draw  the  palms  and  the  backs  of  the  right  fingers  across 
its  upper  edge  several  times  from  left  to  right.  Or  draw  them  across  the 
hand  and  arm  at  different  places  as  if  wiping  off  the  fingers.  {Dakota 
IV.) 

Extend  the  left  forearm  horizontally,  pointing  forward,  then  pass  the 
left  palm  alternately  across  it  from  below  upward  (but  not  touching  it) 
on  the  inner  and  outer  sides.  (Hitlatsa  I;  Ankara  I.) 

The  sign  for  the  animal  or  thing  is  made  first,  then  the  arms  are 
flexed,  hands  brought  together  in  front  of  body,  opened  in  full,  flat, 
palm  of  one  on  back  of  other — a  cross  duplicate  of  position  (W)« 
Flat  surfaces  then  pass  horizontally  over  each  other.  (Oto  I.)  "That 
which  has  been  rubbed  or  blurred." 

Spring:  (season). 

The  sign  for  Cold,  to  which  add  the  sign  for  being  Done  or  Fin 
ished.  (Dunbar.) 

Signs  for  Day  (or  Daylight)  and  Grass.  The  seasons  may  also 
be  distinguished  by  indicating  a  greater  or  less  meridional  altitude  of 
the  sun.  (Arapaho  I.) 


249 

With  the  right-baud  fingers  and  thumb  curved  upward  and  separated 
(P  with  knuckles  and  back  downward)  beginning  with  the  hand  in  this 
position  as  low  down  on  the  right  side  as  you  can  reach  by  bending  the 
body  a  little,  then  bring  the  hand  up  a  few  inches,  keeping  fingers  up. 
(Cheyenne  II.)  "  Represents  grass  growing." 

Make  the  sign  for  Grass.  (Dakota  1;  Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "From  the  season  the  grass  springs  up." 

Make  the  sign  for  Horse,  (Riding  a  horse) ;  and  then  hold  the 
left  hand,  palm  looking  obliquely  downward  and  backward,  in  front  of 
the  abdomen,  and  pass  the  right  hand,  back  upward,  underneath  it  from 
behind  forward ;  or,  make  the  sign  for  Offspring*,  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  The  mares  have  colts." 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain,  Grass,  and  Good.     (Dakota  VI.) 

The  right  hand  is  gradually  drawn  toward  the  body,  then  approaches 
the  ground,  in  type-position  (<|  1),  fingers  more  collected  at  the  ends 
and  less  rigid.  From  the  ground  the  hand  is  made  to  rise  slowly  and 
successively  in  representation  of  the  upward  tendency  of  vegetation. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  time  when  grain  and  grass  grow." 

Make  the  sign  for  Rain,  then  with  the  curved  index  only  pointing 
upward,  hold  the  back  of  the  right  hand  near  the  ground  and  elevate  it, 
gradually  and  in  an  interrupted  movement,  upward.  (Ute  I.)  "After 
the  rains  the  sprouts  appear." 

Squaw.    See  Woman. 

Stars.    (Compare  Ifloon.) 

The  right-hand,  forefinger  and  thumb  crooked,  is  pointed  in  various 
directions  above  the  head  toward  the  heavens,  and  a  moderately  quick 
under-aud-over  movement  of  the  finger  and  thumb,  forming  a  crescent, 
is  made.  (Dakota  I.)  "From  the  twinkling  of  the  stars." 

Make  the  sign  for  JJTig'ht,  and  then,  bringing  the  ends  of  the  right 
thumb  and .  forefinger  together,  or  flexing  the  forefinger  within  the 
thumb,  quickly  move  the  upright  hand  four  or  five  times  forward,  here 
and  there  above  the  head.  For  star,  hold  the  hand  above  the  head,  its 
inner  edge  uppermost.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Stay,  abide.    I  live  or  stay  here. 

From  a  foot  in  front  of  the  neck  move  the  right  hand,  its  back  forward 
and  index  extended,  several  times  through  a  curve  toward  the  right 
shoulder,  each  time  rotating  it  to  turn  the  palm  forward ;  then  throw  the 
fist  forward  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest  and  move  it  a  foot  or 
eighteen  inches  up  and  down,  back  outward.  (Dakota  IV.) 
32 


250 

The  clinched  fist,  back  forward,  thumb  upward,  is  held  before  the 
chest,  then  depressed  a  few  inches  and  suddenly  arrested.  If  you  wish 
to  tell  a  person  at  some  distance  to  stay  where  he  is,  stretch  the  arm 
out  at  full  length  toward  him  in  making  the  sign,  otherwise  the  hand  is 
held  near  the  body.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Clinch  the  right  hand  as  if  holding  a  stick,  and  make  a  motion  as  if 
trying  to  strike  something  on  the  ground  with  the  bottom  of  the  stick, 
held  in  an  upright  position.  (Wichita  I.) 

Steal,  To. 

The  left  forearm  is  held,  horizontally,  a  little  forward  across  the  body, 
and  the  right  hand  passing  under  it  with  a  quick  motion  seems  to  grasp 
something  and  is  suddenly  withdrawn.  (Long.) 

Seize  an  imaginary  object  with  the  right  hand  from  under  the  left  fist. 
(Burton.)  This  implies  concealed  action  and  the  transportation  form 
ing  part  of  the  legal  definition  of  larceny.  Our  instructed  deaf-mutes 
make  the  same  sign. 

Left  arm  and  hand  held  diagonally  to  the  body  on  level  with  elbow, 
right-hand  forefinger  hooked,  quickly  drawn  under  left  hand  and  back 
to  the  side  (sometimes  all  the  fingers  are  hooked  as  though  grabbing 
something  or  tearing  it  away).  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left  hand  held  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  breast,  horizontal,  back 
outward,  fingers  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  right ;  then  the  right 
hand,  with  the  fingers  extended,  hooked,  tips  outward,  hand  horizontal, 
is  passed  outward  under  the  left  hand,  and  quickly  drawn  backward 
again  behind  the  left  hand,  as  though  seizing  and  subsequently  con 
cealing  the  article.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Stealing  and  concealment." 

The  left  arm  is  partly  extended  and  held  horizontally  so  that  the  left 
hand  will  be,  palm  downward,  a  foot  or  so  in  front  of  the  chest.  Then, 
with  the  right  hand  in  front,  a  motion  is  made  as  if  something  were 
grasped  deftly  in  the  fingers  and  earned  rapidly  along  under  the  left 
arm  to  the  axilla.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

No  special  sign  for  this  unless  the  portrayal  of  a  Texan  (see 
TR]  BAL  SIGNS)  be  accepted  as  the  Mescalero  type  for  a  thief,  as  these 
poor  wretches  are  said  to  have  been  dreadfully  harassed  and  plundered 
by  Texans  (tay-ha-uas)  for  many  years.  Patricio  gave  several  narra 
tives;  in  one  the  Texans  came  and  drove  off  his  horses;  in  another  the 
Texans  entered  a  house  and  took  (shown  by  a  quick  grabbing)  property. 
(Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Look  around,  put  forward  the  hand,  and 
close  it  as  if  to  take  something,  and  move  it  to  the  side.  (Ballard.) 


Bend  forward  your  body  arid  bring  the  hand,  clinched,  in  the  manner 
of  taking  something  under  your  arm,  at  the  same  time  looking  around 
as  if  to  see  that  no  one  has  seen  your  deed.  (Cross.) 

Take  anything  spoken  of  and  put  the  hand  in  the  pocket,  and  turn 
and  run  away.  (Larson.) 

Use  the  hand  as  if  to  take  something,  at  the  same  time  look  around 
as  if  to  see  if  somebody  comes.  (Zeigler.) 

Italian  sign. — The  open  hand  held  before  the  face,  and  the  fingers,  be 
ginning  with  the  little  one,  turned  round  in  a  wheel,  signifies  a  robbery. 
(Butler.) 

A  horse. 

To  express  horse-stealing  they  saw  with  the  right  hand  down  upon  the 
extended  fingers  of  the  left,  thereby  denoting  rope-cutting.  (Burton.) 

Left  hand  horizontal,  flat,  in  front  and  as  high  as  the  elbow.  Eight 
hand  arched,  joined,  thumb  resting  near  end  of  forefinger,  downward 
(similar  to  V),  and  passed  slowly  under  the  left,  backward  toward  the 
elbow  and  quickly  across  to  its  own  side,  to  show  crawling  up  to  a 
horse,  cutting  its  lariat  and  making  off  quickly.  (Dakota  III.) 

Steamboat. 

The  sign  for  Smoke  is  made  with  the  right  hand  extended  upward 
at  the  side  and  above  the  head,  and  then  with  the  mouth  make  the 
puffing  sound  in  imitation  of  the  sound  from  the  escape-pipes.  (Dako 
ta  I.)  "  From  the  puffing  sound  of  the  escape-pipes,  which  can  be  heard 
a  considerable  distance  on  a  still  day,  and  the  smoke  from  the  smoke 
stack." 

Make  the  sign  for  liVater,  by  placing  the  flat  right  hand  before  the 
face,  pointing  upward  and  forward,  the  back  forward,  with  the  wrist  as 
high  as  the  nose ;  then  draw  it  down  and  inward  toward  the  chin ;  then 
with  both  hands  indicate  the  outlines  of  a  horizontal  oval  figure  from 
before  the  body  back  to  near  the  chest  (being  the  outline  of  the  deck)  ; 
then  place  both  flat  hands,  pointing  forward,  thumbs  higher  than  the 
outer  edges,  and  push  them  forward  to  arm's  length  (illustrating  the  for 
ward  motion  of  the  vessel).  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Stingy,  Covetous,  Cowardly,  &c. 

First  lay  the  palm  of  the  right  hand,  horizontal,  over  the  left  breast: 
then  make  the  sign  for  Anger,  by  carrying  the  fist  (B  2)  downward, 
in  front  of  the  body,  from  the  face  toward  the  left  to  the  level  of  the 
heart,  but  not  with  any  emphasis;  and  then  the  sign  for  Good  is  made 
by  opening  the  hand,  turning  it  palm  downward  (S  1),  and  carrying 


252 

out  from  the  breast  for  a  foot  or  more,  and  then  turning  the  hand, 
thumb  downward,  back  toward  the  left,  and  carrying  it  out  to  the  right 
side  of  the  body  on  the  same  level,  which  is  the  sign  for  Ufo  or  \«#l . 
(Dakota  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Brave,  Generous,  at  the  end  of  which  sign 
the  right  hand  is  opened  as  in  (T  1),  modified  by  back  of  hand  being 
more  concave  and  swept  semicircularly  outward  and  downward  from 
the  right  side  of  head.  (Oto  I.)  "  No  good  will,  generosity,  or  courage." 

Bring  the  left  hand  against  the  shoulder,  with  the  elbow  slightly  be 
fore  the  hip,  then  tap  the  elbow  with  the  knuckles  of  the  right  hand 
from  below  upward.  (Apache  I.) 

Curve  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand  so  that  their  tips  rest  against  the 
inner  edge  of  the  thumb,  which  should  be  about  an  inch  from  the  palm  ; 
then  bring  the  hand  slowly  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  back  to  the  front. 
(UteL) 

Stirrup. 

Make  first  the  sign  for  Horse  and  next  the  sign  for  Saddle ;  then 
catch  the  right  hand,  with  its  index  hooked  as  in  position  (I),  index 
more  opened,  by  the  left  in  similar  position.  Then  raise  the  foot  (either) 
and  catch  its  sole  by  the  hooked  index  of  the  left  hand.  Holding  the 
leg  thus,  as  half-mounted,  throw  the  left  arm  into  the  air  as  the  leg  over 
a  horse.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something  hooked  to  catch  the  foot 
when  mounting  a  saddled  horse." 

Stone. 

The  right  hand  shut,  give  several  small  blows  on  the  left.     (Dunbar.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  and  strike  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  two  or 
three  times  with  it.  (Lony.) 

If  light,  act  as  if  picking  it  up ;  if  heavy,  as  if  dropping  it.     (Burton.) 

Fingers  of  right  hand  closed,  thumb  lying  along  the  tips,  struck  once 
or  twice  into  the  palm  of  the  left  hand.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

With  the  back  of  the  arched  right  hand  (H)  strike  repeatedly  in  the 
palm  of  the  left,  held  horizontal,  back  outward,  at  the  height  of  the 
breast  and  about  a  foot  in  front;  the  ends  of  the  fingers  point  in  oppo 
site  directions.  (Dakota  I.)  From  its  use  when  the  stone  was  the  only 
hammer. 

The  right  hand  points  to  the  earth  with  the  extended  index;  then 
both  hands,  fingers  divergent  (as  in  P  1),  inverted,  approximate  at  the 
points  of  index-finger  and  thumb,  then  diverge  until  in  descending  the 
points  of  ring  and  little  fingers  touch  the  ground.  The  fingers  then 


253 

approach  each  other  at  their  points  uniformly  and  diverge  three  times. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Something,  that  would  fill  the  hand,  which  lies 
scattered  on  the  earth." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Imitate  the  action  of  picking  up  and  throw 
ing  a  stone,  and  sometimes  with  indications  of  the  size  and  form  of 
the  object  by  means  of  the  left  fist.  (Ballard.) 

Store. 

First  make  the  sign  for  White  man,  then  for  Tipi,  and  finally 
for  Trading.  (Dakota  I.)  "  White  man's  house  where  we  swap 
goods/7 

Make  the  sign  for  White  man'*  house,  and  To  buy.  (Kaiowa 
I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Stove. 

First  point  to  a  piece  of  iron,  and  then  with  the  hands  in  front  of  the 
body  make  the  shape  of  a  box-stove,  and  complete  by  the  sign  for  Fire. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Iron  of  the  stove  and  fire." 

Study,  To ;  to  deliberate. 

The  arm  is  flexed  and  the  hand  assumes  type-position  (O  1)  modified 
by  the  fingers  being  more  curved,  cup-shaped.  The  arm  is  then  elevated 
and  the  hand  twisted  spirally  from  left  to  right  upward  before  the  cen 
ter  of  the  forehead.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  To  revolve  in  mind." 

Stumble,  To. 

Hold  the  left  hand  flat,  edgewise,  extended  before  the  breast,  back  to 
the  front,  fingers  pointing  to  the  right;  then  move  the  flat  right  hand, 
palm  toward  the  body  and  fingers  pointing  downward,  forward  toward 
the  left,  and  as  the  backs  of  fingers  of  the  right  strike  the  palm  of  the 
left  drop  the  right  hand  over  to  the  front  and  downward  a  short  dis 
tance.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apaclie  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  To  strike 
an  object,  and  to  trip  or  stumble." 

Storm,  Tempest,  or  Hurricane. 

The  three  signs  for  Wind,  Big?  aud  Fear,  in  that  order.  (Dun- 
bar.) 

Make  the  Rain  sign,  then,  if  thunder  and  lightning  are  to  be  ex 
pressed,  move,  as  if  in  anger,  the  body  to  and  fro,  to  show  the  wrath  of 
the  elements.  (Burton.) 

Sign  for  Clouds  is  also  used  for  storm.  (Dakota  I.)  "Gathering  of 
the  clouds  before  a  storm." 


254 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Rain  indicated  by  a  repeated  downward 
motion  of  the  extended  fingers.  Wind,  by  a  sidewise  sweeping  motion 
of  the  hands  and  blowing  through  the  lips.  (Ballard.) 

Strong?  Strength. 

The  hands  are  clinched ;  the  left  forearm  is  held  almost  perpendicularly 
near  the  breast,  so  that  the  fist  is. nearly  opposite  to  the  throat;  the 
right  arm  is  then  carried  up  between  the  left  and  the  breast,  and  con 
tinued  on  over  the  left  fist  to  the  outside  of  the  latter ;  the  right  arm  is 
then  brought  down  so  as  to  have  the  same  direction  with  the  other,  and 
the  fists  rest  opposite  to  each  other  in  a  line  from  the  breast.  This 
motion  resembles  the  act  of  wringing  a  thick  towel.  If  he  would  say 
"'lain  strong," he  strikes  himself  upon  the  breast  two  or  three  times 
with  his  fist  previously  to  the  motion  above  described.  If  he  would 
gay  "you  are  strong,"  he  previously  points  to  you,  etc.  (Long.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Imitate  the  action  of  a  person  exerting  mus 
cular  force.  (Ballard.) 

Applied  to  man  or  animal. 

Both  arms  raised  on  their  respective  sides  to  level  with  the  shoulders, 
back  of  hands  upward,  fists  (A.)  are  quickly  thrown  downward  to  the 
level  of  the  stomach  on  their  respective  sides,  and  brought  to  a  sudden 
stop  with  a  rebounding  motion.  The  muscle  of  the  arms,  chest,  and 
back  are  all  brought  into  action  in  making  this  sign.  (Dakota  I.)  "Ex. 
hibiting  muscular  power." 


As  a  cord,  rope,  etc. 


With  both  hands  in  front  of  the  breast,  fists  (D),  hands  separated  a 
few  inches,  make  movements  as  though  pulling  on  a  cord  or  rope  that 
would  not  yield.  In  addition  to  the  muscles  of  the  arms,  etc.,  those  of 
the  face  are  brought  more  into  action  than  in  the  above  sign.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Cannot  break  it.  It  is  strong.'' 

Submission, 

With  both  hands  in  front  of  face,  open  ( W,  palms  oblique,  downward, 
with  the  little-finger  edge  of  the  hands  lowest),  the  fingers  close  to 
and  pointing  together,  the  head  is  slightly  inclined  forward  and  eyes 
cast  down,  hands  are  moved  obliquely  inward  and  downward  till  they 
come  close  to  or  reach  the  breast.  Generally  repeated  two  or  three  times 
(Cheyenne  II.) 

The  right  hand,  with  fingers  extended  (S),  is  carried  to  the  right  and 
to  the  left  in  front  of  the  body  and  back  to  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder, 
where  all  the  fingers  are  closed  excepting  the  index,  which  points  up 
right,  back  of  hand  outward,  and  then  the  hand  is  thrown  slowly  for 
ward  ill  front  of  the  body  so  that  it  is  horizontal,  back  downward,  index- 


255 

finger  pointing-  obliquely  forward  and  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
first  part  of  this  sign  means  everything  is  clear;  nothing  of  this  matter 
to  come  up  hereafter;  and  the  latter  part,  *  I  accept,  I  yield,  submit.'" 

Sugar.     (Compare  Sweet.) 

The  right  arm  is  bent  at  a  right  angle,  and  the  hand,  in  type-position, 
(K  1,  modified  by  the  palm  facing  the  mouth),  is  made  to  slowly  and 
gently  touch  the  tongue  with  the  palm  point  of  the  index-finger.  The 
hand  is  then  dropped  and  approaches  the  tongue  a  second  time  in  a  semi 
circle,  the  countenance  and  mouth  indicating  pleasure.  (Oto  and  Mis 
souri  I.)  "  Something  that  can  be  tasted  twice  with  pleasure." 

The  right  hand,  back  outward,  fingers  as  in  (U),  but  turned  down 
ward,  is  carried  from  in  front  of  the  body  upward  to  the  lips,  and  a 
sound  made  by  sucking  in  air.  (Dakota  I.)  "It  is  sweet;  I  like  it." 

Summer. 

Both  hands,  fingers  and  thumbs  separated  (Q,  fingers  down  ward),  are 
moved  outward  to  front  and  upward  as  far  as  arms  will  reach.  The 
hands  need  not  be  in  shape  till  they  are  out  at  arm's  length.  The  sign 
is  stationary.  (Cheyenne  II.)  "Supposed  to  represent  rays  and  heat 
of  sun  striking  down." 

Make  the  sign  for  Grass  in  front  of  the  body,  carrying  the  hand 
upward  two  or  three  feet  from  the  ground,  indicating  that  the  grass  is 
long;  and  then  the  left  hand,  representing  a  Tree,  is  held  in  front 
of  the  breast,  and  with  the  right  hand  make  movements  as  though  pick, 
ing  something  from  it  and  putting  in  the  mouth.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
time  when  the  grass  is  long  and  the  cherries  are  ripe;  hence,  summer." 

Make  the  sign  for  Grass  growing,  i.  e.,  move  the  right  hand  from 
the  ground  upward  three  or  four  inches  at  a  time.  (Dakota  IV.)  "The 
grass  getting  higher  and  higher." 

Point  to  the  skj",  then  pass  the  palms,  turned  upward,  to  the  right  and 
left,  horizontally,  before  the  breast.  (Dakota  VI.) 

The  countenance  assumes  an  oppressive  mien  j  the  right  arm  is  ele 
vated  and  the  index-finger  in  type-position  ( J),  points  to  the  sun  in  the 
zenith;  both  hands  then  wave  above  the  head,  in  type-position  (P  1) 
modified  by  being  inverted ;  the  hands,  thus  resembling  the  direct  rays 
of  the  sun,  approach  the  head.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  time  when 
the  rays  of  the  sun  descend  direct  and  oppress  us." 

Same  sign  as  for  Hot.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita 
II.) 

Made  in  the  same  manner  as  that  for  Warm.     (Apache  I.) 


256 

(Compare  Day.) 

The  thumb  and  finger,  forming  a  circle,  elevated  in  front  toward  the 
face.  (Ditnbar.) 

The  forefinger  and  thnmb  are  brought  together  at  tips  so  as  to  form 
a  circle,  and  held  up  toward  the  sun's  track.  (Long.) 

Form  a  small  circle  with  the  forefingers  and  hold  them  toward  heaven. 
I  \\'ied.)  I  have  given  you  this  sign.  (Matthew)  There  is  no  visible 
identity  in  the  execution  of  the  (Oto  I)  sign  and  ir*YdX  although  a 
seeming  similarity  in  conception  exists;  the  similarity  in  the  signs  for 
day  explains  the  practice  of  speaking  of  a  day  as  after  one  or  more  nun*. 
(Boteler.) 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  the  inte 
rior  outline  approximating  a  circle,  and  indicate  thus  the  projection  of 
its  disk  against  the  sky.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Eight-hand  finger  crooked,  elevated,  and  held  toward  the  east. 
(Cheyenne  I.)  The  crook  is  an  abbreviation  of  the  circle  representing 
the  orb. 

Eight  hand  closed,  the  index  and  thumb  curved,  with  tips  touching, 
thus  approximating  a  circle,  and  held  toward  the  sky.  (Absaroka  I; 
Shoshoni  and  Banak  I;  Utel;  Wyandot  I.) 

Eight  hand  extended  at  side  of  body  on  a  level  with  the  head ;  with 
the  forefinger  and  thumb  describe  a  crescent,  other  fingers  closed.  ( Da 
kota  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Day,  and  then  flex  the  right  index  and  thumb 
until  their  ends  are  about  four  inches  apart ;  or,  as  some  do,  until  they 
are  an  inch  and  a  half  apart ;  or,  as  most  do,  bring  the  ends  together ; 
nearly  close  the  other  fingers  and  raise  the  hand  in  front  of  the  fore 
head.  The  ulnar  (inner)  edge  of  the  hand  is  usually  turned  toward 
the  part  of  the  sky  where  the  sun  is  supposed  to  be :  for  sunrise,  toward 
the  east;  for  noon,  to  ward  the  zenith;  for  sunset,  toward  the  west.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  curve  the  index-finger  in  the  form  of  a  half- 
circle,  and  in  this  position  hold  the  hand  upward  toward  the  sun's  track. 
(Dakota  V.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  forming  a  circle  with  the  thumb  and  index, 
then  hold  the  hand  toward  the  sky.  (Dakota  VII.) 

The  partly  bent  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  are  brought 
together  at  their  tips,  so  as  to  represent  a  circle;  and  with  these  digits 
next  to  the  face  the  hand  is  held  up  toward  the  sky,  from  one  to  two 
feet  from  the  eye  and  in  such  a  manner  that  the  glance  may  be  directed 
through  the  opening.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  1.) 


257 

The  right  arm  is  elevated,  then  extended  to  the  left  oil  a  level  with 
the  left  deltoid  prominence.  The  hand  is  in  type  position  (1 1)  modified 
by  being  horizontal.  The  hand  and  arm  thus  pointing  to  the  Orient, 
describes  next  the  arc  of  the  vault  of  the  heavens  and  slowly  sinks, 
wavering,  extended  from  shoulder,  pointing  to  the  west.  The  sign  for 
Light  is  next  executed.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That  which  passes 
through  the  heaven's  vault,  shedding  light." 

Raise  the  right  hand  above  the  head,  holding  the  open  palm  toward 
the  sky  (sun  in  prayer).  (Ponka  I.)  "  Wakauda — Praying  to  the  sun." 

Join  the  tips  of  the  index  and  thumb  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  close  the 
remaining  fingers  and  hold  the  hand  toward  the  sky,  with  the  outer 
edge  forward.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Form  a  circle  with  the  index  and  thumb,  tips  touching,  the  remaining 
fingers  closed,  and  hold  them  toward  the  sky.  (Apache  1.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  toward  the  sky,  make  a  circle  with  the 
forefinger,  and  wink  as  if  dazzled  by  the  sun's  rays.  (Ballard.) 

Eclipse  of. 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  Sun,  and  then  the  sign  for  Dead, 
Death.  (Dakota  I.)  "  The  sun  is  dead." 

Sun-dogs.    (Compare  Aurora  Borealis.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  Sun,  directly  in  front  of  the  body  with 
the  right  hand,  and  then  the  sign  for  Fire,  on  the  same  level  and  at 
both  sides  of  it  at  the  same  time.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Fire  built  to  heat  the 
winter  sun. 

Sunrise. 

Make  the  sign  for  Day,  at  the  same  time  indicating  position  of  the 
sun,  just  above  the  horizon,  as  in  sign  for  Sun.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  the  Sun,  but  point  the  crescent  in  the  direction  of 
the  rising  sun  in  the  horizon,  and  then  carry  it  slightly  upward.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "The  coming  up  of  the  sun." 

Make  the  sign  for  Morning,  and  then  the  sign  for  Sun,  holding 
the  inner  edge  of  the  hand  toward  the  east  and  raising  it  a  little. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "  Uncovering  the  sun." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign, — The  same  sign  as  Siill,  with  the  addition  of 
pointing  to  the  eastern  horizon.  (Ballard.) 

Sunset. 

Make  the  sign  for  Night,  at  the  same  time  indicating  position  of  the 
sun,  just  below  horizon,  as  in  sign  for  Sun.     (Arapaho  I.) 
33 


258 

Right-baud  forefinger  crooked,  as  in  sign  for  ^loriliiig,  lowered 
toward  the  western  horizon.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Point  the  crescent  sign  for  Sim,  in  the  direction  of  the  setting  sun 
in  the  horizon  and  below  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "Sun  has  disappeared  from 
view." 

Make  the  sigu  for  Mini,  holding  the  inner  edge  of  the  hand  toward 
the  west  and  lowering  it  a  little,  then  make  the  sigu  for  V  iu  hi.  (Da 
kota  IV.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — The  same  sigu  as  for  the  Kim,  aud  pointing 
to  the  western  horizon.  (Ballanl.) 

Superior.    See  Ahead. 

Supplication. 

Italian  sign. — Falling  upon  the  knees  aud  clasping  the  hands  or  laying 
the  palms  together  shows  the  supplication  of  a  beggar.  (Butler.) 

Surprise.    (Compare  Admiration  and  Wonder.) 

Throw  the  head  and  body  backward  with  a  quick  motion  aud  express 
surprise  by  facial  emotions  and  the  eyes.  See  connection  with  Horror 
under  that  word.  Wonder  is  included  in  the  sign  for  Surprise.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  right  hand,  palm  inward,  with  the  fingers  slightly  bent,  is  placed 
over  the  mouth  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave  the  lips  free  to  articulate. 
The  index  rests  on  the  upper  lip,  but  the  palm  does  not  touch  the 
mouth.  The  thumb  commonly  rests  against  the  right  side  of  the  nose, 
and  one  or  more  finger-tips  on  the  face  to  the  left  of  the  mouth.  While 
the  hand  is  thus  held,  low  groans,  exclamations,  or  expressions  of  sur 
prise  are  uttered.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Clinch  the  fists  and  shrink  away.  Fists  must  be  near  waist  and  not 
at  chin,  as  in  Fear.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Part  the  lips,  arch  the  eyebrows,  and  raise 
the  hand.  (Ballard.) 

Surrender.    See  Quiet. 

Surround. 

At  the  height  of  the  breast,  backs  of  hands  obliquely  upward,  thumb 
and  forefinger  of  each  extended,  curved,  and  brought  nearly  together; 
other  fingers  of  both  hands  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  "Closing  in  on  or  sur 
rounding  anything." 

Surrounded. 

Form  a  circle  about  eight  inches  in  diameter  by  extending  and  sepa- 


259 

rating  both  thumbs  and  forefingers,  and  holding  the  hands  opposite 
each  other  with  palms  inward ;  then  move  the  hands  about  six  inches 
from  side  to  side.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Surrounding  the  bison. 

The  sign  for  Bisoil  is  first  made;  the  hand,  with  the  forefingers  and 
thumbs  in  a  semicircle,  are  then  brought  two  or  three  times  together. 
(Long.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Bison  and  then  the  sign  for  Surround 
ing.  (Dakota  I.) 

Suspicion. 

Italian  sign. — Draw  down  one  lower  eyelid,  which  is  as  much  as  to 
say,  "  Let  me  open  my  eyes  a  little  wider."  A  man  convinced  that  others 
wish  to  impose  upon  him,  and  wishing  to  let  them  know  that  he  is  not 
imposed  upon,  points  a  finger  at  his  eye  as  if  to  say,  "My  eye  is  wide 
open  and  sees  what  you  are  about."  (Butter.) 

Swallow.  To.     Sw  allow  ing. 

Slightly  flex  the  fingers  of,  the  right  hand  and  place  the  thumb 
against  the  side  of  the  index,  the  hand  directed  forward,  palm  upward, 
in  front  of  the  right  breast,  and,  while  turning  the  hand  over,  move  it 
first  upward,  then  backward  through  a  curve  to  the  mouth,  and  then 
downward  to  the  top  of  the  breastbone.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Sweet.    (Compare  Sugar  and  Sour.) 

Tip  of  forefinger  touched  against  the  tip  of  tongue;  sign  for  Good. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Sour,  omitting  the  spitting,  and  smacking  the 
lips  instead.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Good ;  I  like  it." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Any  agreeable  taste  would  be  indicated  by 
smacking  the  lips.  (Bollard.) 

Sw  ift,  §wiftnes§. 

The  two  index-fingers  are  held  parallel  together  and  pointing  forward ; 
the  right  one  is  then  passed  rapidly  forward.  (Long.) 

Left  hand  held  horizontal,  with  palm  downward,  fingers  extended, 
joined,  pointing  outward  ( W),  about  12  inches  in  front  of  breast;  pass 
the  right  hand,  carried  outward  from  the  right  breast,  by  the  stationary 
left,  with  a  rapid  motion.  (Dakota  I.)  "The  swift  passing  the  slow." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — A  slight  moving  of  the  body  from  side  to 
side  in  rapid  succession,  and  a  slight  movement  of  the  feet  on  the  floor. 
{Ballard.} 


260 

Italian  sign. — The  colloquial  phrase,  "  hand  over  hand,"  exactly  de 
scribes  the  Italian  motion  to  express  the  same  idea,  namely,  to  do  any 
thing  rapidly.  (Butler.) 

Swim,  swimming. 

The  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  extended  outward  and  moved  to 
and  fro.  (Dunbar.) 

Hands  brought  together  in  front  of  the  body  about  a  foot  (W),  with 
fingers  pointing  outward ;  make  a  series  of  sidewise  movements  of  the 
hands  toward  the  right  and  left,  on  a  curve,  in  imitation  of  the  move 
ments  of  the  hands  and  arms  in  swimming.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
act  of  swimming." 

Sword. 

Make  the  motion  of  drawing  it.     (Burton.) 

Eight  hand  flattened,  fingers  pointing  upward,  little  finger  front; 
motion  made  forward  to  imitate  cutting.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Syphilis. 

- 

The  left  hand  is  closed,  allowing  the  forefinger  to  be  extended  and 
pointing  forward  before  the  body;  then,  with  the  thumb  and  index  of 
the  right,  pretend  to  pick  off  small  particles  of  imaginary  foreign  bodies 
from  various  sides  of  the  forefinger.  (AbsaroJca  I;  Shoshoni  and  BanaJc 
I.)  "  From  the  ulcerating  or  'eating'  nature  of  the  disease." 

Talk.    See  Speak. 

Taste.    (Compare  Sweet  and  Sour.) 

Touch  the  tongue-tip.     (Burton.) 

Right-hand  fore  and  middle  fingers,  pointed  upward,  touched  to  tip 
of  tongue.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Simply  touch  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  to  the  tongue.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  From  the  act  of  tasting." 

Put  one  forefinger  in  the  other  palm,  then  to  tongue.     (Apache  III.) 

Telegraph. 

Left  index  extended  and  held  in  front  of  the  body,  horizontal  and 
pointing  toward  the  right,  back  outward,  is  struck  smartly  crosswise 
several  times  by  the  right  index,  edge  of  hand  downward,  and  then  the 
sign  for  Talking  or  Speaking  is  made  to  complete  it.  (Dakota  I.) 
"The  first  part  of  this  sign  denotes  the  striking  of  the  key." 

Tell.    See  Speak. 


261 

Texan.     (Compare  Steal.) 

Place  widely  extended  thumbs  and  forefingers  as  if  inclosing  a  very 
large  hat  brim,  out  by  sides  of  head.  (Apache  III.)  "Such  being 
esteemed  by  Texans." 

Thanks.    (Compare  Glad.) 

Thank  you,  or,  more  strictly,  Invoking  a  hlessing. 

The  right  hand  upright,  opened  and  relaxed,  fingers  separated  a  lit 
tle,  palm  forward,  is  placed  near  the  person's  forehead  and  then  moved 
downward  iu  front  of  the  face  to  the  sternum,  the  hand  being  at  the 
same  time  bent  at  the  wrist  until  it  becomes  horizontal.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  Both  hands  are  frequently  drawn  downward  in  front  of  the  face." 

Theft.    See  Steal. 

There,  I  have  been. 

Hold  the  open  left  hand,  its  palm  obliquely  backward  and  upward,  a 
foot  in  front  of  the  chest;  then,  the  right  Tiand  being  closed  excepting 
the  index,  which  is  to  be  extended  upward,  strike  its  palm  and  fingers 
against  the  palm  of  the  left  and  hold  the  two  hands  still  for  a  few  sec 
onds.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Thick. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Thill,  and  then  the  sign  for  Hfo,  or  Not, 

and  then  the  two  hands,  with  fingers  extended  and  joined,  are  held 
horizontal,  six  or  seven  inches  apart,  in  front  of  the  breast,  with  their 
palmar  surfaces  toward  one  another.  (Dakota  I.)  "Not  thin." 

Thin.    See  Poor. 

Think ;  Guess.    (Compare  Study.) 

Pass  the  forefinger  sharply  across  the  breast  from  right  to  left. 
(Burton,) 

(1)  Eight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  loosely  closed,  forefinger  crooked, 
slightly  extended ;  (2)  dipped  over  toward  and  suddenly  forward  from 
left  shoulder  or  upper  arm.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Eight  hand  carried  to  the  left  breast,  with  the  fore  and  second  fingers 
extended,  pointing  downward,  obliquely  toward  the  left,  back  outward 
(IV,  turned  obliquely  downward),  make  several  outward  and  inward 
movements  of  the  extended  fingers  only.  (Dakota  I.)  "  <•  Stop !  let  me 
think.'  The  heart  is  regarded  as  the  seat  of  all  the  functions  of  life, 
hence  the  sign  of  thinking  from  that  organ." 

Hold  the  left  hand,  pointing  toward  the  right  palm,  backward,  a  foot 
in  front  of  the  neck ;  then  move  the  right  hand,  palm  toward  the  left, 
from  an  upright  position  just  below  the  mouth  over  the  left  to  arm's 


262 

length,  turning  the  end  of  the  right  hand  downward  until  it  points  for 
ward.     (Dakota  IV.)     "  The  mind  going  straight  forward." 

Clinch  the  right  hand  and  place  the  radial  side  (either  the  thumb  or 
the  middle  joint  of  the  index)  against  the  lower  portion  of  the  forehead ; 
the  fist  is  usually  placed  between  the  eyes.  At  the  same  time  the  head, 
with  eyes  to  the  ground,  is  inclined  and  rested  against  the  fist,  as  if  in 
meditation.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hit  the  chest  with  closed  fist,  thumb  over  the  fist.     (Omaha  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — In  the  sense  of  Suppose  or  Presume  the  sign 
was  made  by  nodding  the  head  slightly,  accompanied  by  a  steady  fixing 
of  the  eye.  (Ballard.) 

Italian  sign. — The  forefinger  on  the  forehead  denotes  either  effort  of 
thought  or  force  of  talent.  (Butler.) 

Thunder. 

The  sign  of  Rail!  accompanied  by  the  voice  imitating  the  rumbling 
sound  of  thunder.  (Dunbar.) 

Hands  partially  closed,  backs  outward,  elevated  to  the  ears  ;  moved 
slightly  out  and  in  ;  face  expressing  annoyance  or  pain.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  The  sign  for  To  Sing  exaggerated.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "Great 
voice  or  big  sing." 

Right  hand  raised  as  high  above  the  head  as  possible  (with  the  hand 
as  T),  bring  it  down  in  front  of  the  body  with  a  quick  motion,  snapping 
the  fingers,  and  separating  them  (as  Q),  the  fingers  pointing  downward, 
back  of  hand  outward.  Same  sign  includes  Lightning*.  Thunder 
and  lightning  so  frequently  accompany  each  other  as  to  suggest  to  the 
Indian  the  idea  of  constancy;  hence  no  separate  sign  for  lightning. 
(Dakota  I.) 

From  positions  near  together  in  front  of  the  face,  palms  forward,  sep 
arate  the  upright  clinched  hands  about  eighteen  inches,  and  then,  turn 
ing  the  palms  inward,  move  the  hands  backward,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  head.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Spreads  and  goes  away." 

Tie,  To. 

Make  a  circular  motion  around,  over,  and  above  the  left  hand — held 
in  front  of  breast  (fist,  A.  1) — with  the  right  hand,  with  thumb  and  fore 
finger  extended,  crooked  and  meeting  (other  fingers  closed),  back  of  hand 
upward,  of  closed  fingers  outward,  and  then  pass  the  right  hand  under 
the  left,  with  thumb  and  forefinger  separated  and  drawn  inward  or  back 
ward  again  as  though  having  seized  hold  of  something  and  pulling  hard 


263 

on  it,  after  which  the  right  hand  is  dropped  downward.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  Putting  a  lariat  around  the  pole  and  making  it  secure.  Securing  the 
horse." 

Time. 

The  seasons,  corresponding  with  our  divisions  of  winter,  spring,  sum 
mer,  and  autumn,  are  denoted  by  their  appropriate  signs — Winter,  by 
Cold  or  Snow;  Spring,  by  the  Springing  up  of  the  Grass; 
Summer,  by  Long  Grass,  the  Time  Cherries  are  Ripe,  etc. ; 
and  Autumn,  by  the  Falling  of  the  Leaves.  Hour  of  the  day 
is  approximately  denoted  by  the  Position  of  the  Sun.  A  Month 
(one  moon)  is  also  denoted  by  its  appropriate  sign.  Days  and  nights 
can  also  be  so  denoted.  (Dakota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — No  general  sign.  A  day  is  indicated  by 
moving  the  forefinger  across  the  sky ;  parts  of  the  day  by  portions  of 
this  movement;  days  numbered  by  sleeps,  that  is,  by  inclining  the  head 
on  the  hand  repeatedly ;  noon,  by  the  index-finger  of  the  right  hand 
applied  to  that  of  the  left,  as  for  the  time  when  the  hands  of  the  clock 
meet  and  both  point  to  the  hour  twelve.  (Ballard.) 

Future. 

The  arms  are  flexed  and  hands  brought  together  in  front  of  body  as 
in  type-position  (W).  The  hands  are  made  to  move  in  wave-like  mo 
tion  up  and  down  together  and  from  side  to  side.  (Oto  I.)  "Floating 
on  the  tide  of  time." 

Count  oif  fingers,  then  shut  all  the  fingers  of  both  hands  several 
times,  and  touch  the  hair  and  tent.  (Apache  III.)  "Many  years; 
when  I  am  old  (white-haired)." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — To  denote  a  future  time,  the  sign  is  made  by 
putting  the  hand  on  the  cheek  with  the  head  slightly  inclined,  meaning 
days,  and  counting  on  the  fingers  to  denote  hoio  many.  There  is  no 
specific  sign  to  distinguish  the  past  from  the  future.  (Ballard.) 

Long. 

Place  the  hands  close  together  and  then  move  them  slowly  asunder, 
so  slowly  that  they  seem  as  if  they  would  never  complete  the  gesture. 
(Cheyenne  sign.  Eeport  of  Lieut.  J.  W.  Abert,  loc.  cit.,  p.  426.)  "This 
was  used  in  narrating  a  tradition  and  referring  to  great  antiquity  in  time; 
also  applied  to  great,  indefinite  distance." 

Signs  for  Sleep  and  iHaii y .    (Arapalw  I.)    Literally, "  many  sleeps." 

Fingers  of  both  hands  clasped  as  though  holding  a  string,  left  hand 
remaining  stationary,  right  hand  drawn  along  the  imaginary  string  in 
proportion  to  the  length  of  time  to  be  represented.  It  also  means  old 
in  the  abstract.  (Cheyenne  I.) 


264 

Place  the  hands  as  in  Time  (Short) ;  then  draw  them  apart  any 
distance  thought  necessary  by  the  talker  to  convey  the  idea.  (Chey 
enne  II.) 

Both  hands  in  front  of  the  breast,  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each 
extended,  curved,  and  meeting  at  tips  (other  fingers  closed),  hands  hori 
zontal,  backs  outward,  second  phalanges  of  little  fingers  joined,  then 
the  hands  are  separated  by  slowly  carrying  right  to  right,  left  to  left, 
still  horizontal,  and  on  the  same  level,  by  a  series  of  short  stops,  as 
though  passing  a  string  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  and 
tightening  on  it,  arms  carried  to  full  extent  at  sides  of  body.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Making  time." 

Throw  the  upright  opened  right  hand  forward  three  times  from  the 
wrist  just  in  front  of  the  right  ear,  the  palm  inward,  fingers  joined, 
thumb  separated  a  little  from  the  index.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Hold  the  left  hand,  closed,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  left  shoulder, 
the  forefinger  extended  and  pointing  upward ;  then  close  the  right  hand, 
index  only  extended,  horizontal;  touch  the  tip  of  the  left  forefinger  with 
the  tip  of  the  index,  and  draw  the  right  hand  backward  to  the  right 
shoulder.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Place  the  left  hand  in  front  of  the  chest,  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and 
forefinger  touching,  with  remaining  fingers  tightly  closed;  with  the 
fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  similarly  placed;  bring  the  tips  of 
thumb  and  index  of  the  right  against  those  of  the  left,  and  draw  them 
slowly  apart,  the  left  hand  forward  and  outward  from  the  left  side,  and 
the  right  backward  over  the  front  of  the  right  shoulder.  (Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Another  :  Hold  the  left  hand  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  left 
shoulder,  tips  of  forefinger  and  thumb  touching;  then  bring  the  tip  of 
the  index  against  that  of  the  thumb,  the  right  touching  those  of  the  left, 
and  draw  them  slowly  apart,  bringing  the  right  hand  toward  the  right 
shoulder  as  if  drawing  out  a  long  thread.  ( Wyandot  I ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Co- 
manche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  as  if  holding  a  small  pin, 
place  the  two  hands  (in  this  position)  as  if  holding  a  thread  in  each  hand, 
and  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  close  together,  and 
let  the  hands  recede  from  each  other,  still  holding  the  fingers  in  the 
same  position,  as  if  letting  a  thread  slip  between  them,  until  the  hands 
are  two  feet  apart.  (  Wichita  I.) 

Lately,  recently. 

Right-hand  fingers  and  thumb  extended  straight  upward,  separated 


265 

(R),  is  brought  up  to  side  of  face  (right)  with  palm  toward  face,  and 
moved  backward  aud  forward  two  or  three  times.     (Cheyenne  II.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  at  arm's  length,  closed,  with  forefinger  only  ex 
tended  and  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the  place  where  the  event  oc 
curred  ;  then  hold  the  right  hand  against  the  right  shoulder,  closed,  but 
with  index  extended  and  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the  left.  The 
hands  may  be  exchanged,  the  right  extended  and  the  left  retained,  as 
the  case  may  require  for  ease  in  description.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

The  flat  open  right  hand,  turned  back  toward  the  right,  fingers  ex 
tended,  pointing  upward  (S),  is  carried  backward  and  forward  at  the 
right  side  of  the  head,  and  then  the  right  hand  is  passed  by  the  left 
hand,  held  horizontal,  back  toward  the  left  (S  turned  horizontal  in 
stead  of  upright),  about  a  foot  and  a  half  in  front  of  the  face.  (Dakota 
I.)  "  Gone  by  in  time." 

Extend  the  right  index,  half  close  the  other  fingers,  thumb  against 
the  middle  finger,  and  after  placing  the  hand,  back  outward  and  well- 
extended,  on  the  upright  forearm,  four  01  six  inches  in  front  of  the  right 
ear,  throw  it  forward  about  four  inches  three  times,  by  jerks,  from  the 
wrist.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Long  ago. 

Both  hands  closed,  forefingers  extended  and  straight;  place  one  hand 
at  arm's  length,  pointing  horizontally,  the  other  against  the  shoulder  or 
near  it,  pointing  in  the  same  direction  as  the  opposite  one.  Frequently 
the  tips  of  the  forefingers  are  placed  together,  and  the  hands  drawn 
apart,  until  they  reach  the  positions  described.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni 
and  Banak  I.) 

Place  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  forward,  near  the  side  of  the  head,  and 
wave  it  by  interrupted  movements  outward  toward  the  right,  gradually 
turning  the  palm  more  and  more  to  the  right.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanehe 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Another :  Pass  the  right  hand,  flat  and  extended,  edgewise  and  point 
ing  upward  from  over  the  shoulder,  outward  toward  the  right  in  a 
waving  motion,  so  that  at  each  movement  the  hand  is  farther  from  the 
head,  and  at  last  the  palm  is  turned  nearly  to  the  right.  (Kaiowa  I; 
Comanehe  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Short. 

The  sign  for  Time  (Ltong)  followed  by  that  of  negation.  (Arap- 
aho  I.) 

Both  hands  in  front  of  breast,  about  six  inches  apart,  arched  (H, 
back  outward),  thumbs  and  forefingers  horizontal,  and  pointed  toward 
34 


266 

each  other ;  move  slowly  together  till  thumbs  and  fingers  of  each  hand 
touch,  if  a  very  short  time  is  meant.     (Cheyenne  II.) 

Indicate  by  pointing  to  the  sun  or  above,  as  at  the  sun  at  high  meri 
dian,  and  move  right  hand  to  right  a  short  distance.  Or,  if  sun  or 
moon  is  seen,  point  at,  with  same  indication,  a  slow  motion  and  short 
distance  of  rotation  or  change.  (Ojibica  IV.) 

The  right  index  extended  and  pointing  obliquely  upward  (K),  is  held 
ten  or  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  breast,  then  the  hand  is  turned 
horizontal,  back  upward,  and  drawn  slowly  inward  to  the  body,  fingers 
pointing  toward  the  left  and  obliquely  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  "A 
short  distance  in  time." 

With  the  tips  of  the  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  touching, 
pretend  to  draw  a  short  fiber  held  by  the  forefinger  and  thumb  of  the 
left.  (Kaiotcal-,  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II-,  Wichita  II.) 

Another :  Place  the  tips  of  the  forefingers  and  thumbs  together  as  in 
Time  L on ;;:  then  draw  them  about  an  inch  apart.  (Kaiowa  I; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Some  time  ago.    From  a  certain  time  mentioned. 

Hariug  placed  the  nearly  closed  left  hand,  back  outward,  about  two 
feet  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  and  the  right  hand,  back 
outward,  about  six  iuches  back  of  it  and  a  little  to  the  right,  fingers  re 
laxed  and  separated  a  little,  push  the  left  hand  a  very  little  forward 
and  toward  the  left,  and  draw  the  right  backward  and  toward  the  right 
until  it  is  about  six  iuches  in  front  of  the  right  side ;  then  drop  the  left 
hand  and  move  the  right  one  from  the  wrist  up  and  down  about  eight 
inches  two  or  three  times.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Soon. 

Raise  left  hand  and  arm  partly,  palm  toward  the  body,  arm  bent  at 
right  angle,  hand  and  forearm  drawn  forward  toward  the  body  slowly, 
with  slight  bow  of  head  toward  body.  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Very  long  ago. 

Wave  the  extended  flat  right  hand  in  an  interrupted  manner  outward 
and  slightly  backward  from  the  right  side  of  the  head.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Of  day.    See  Hour. 

To-day.     See  Day.     (Compare  UJTow.) 

Tipi  (tepee).    See  Lodge. 

Tired,  weary. 

Strike  the  palmar  surfaces  of  both  hands  ( W)  against  the  legs  about 
midway  between  the  thighs  and  knees,  and  carry  out  to  the  sides  for  a 


267 

few  inches  with  both  hands  as  in  (W),  with  extended  fingers  pointing 
forward,  carrying  the  hands  downward  for  nine  or  ten  inches  with  a 
quick  motion  and  coining  to  a  sudden  stop.  (Dakota  I.)  «  Legs  have 
given  out." 

The  left  arm  is  partly  extended  forward  and  is  gently  struck  near 
the  bend  of  the  elbow,  usually  above  it,  with  the  palm  of  the  right 
hand ;  at  the  same  time  the  head  is  usually  inclined  to  the  left  side ; 
then,  in  similar  manner,  the  right  arm  is  extended  and  struck  by  the 
left  hand,  and  the  head,  in  turn,  inclined  to  the  right.  If  the  sign-maker 
aims  to  be  particularly  expressive,  he  assumes  an  appearance  of  weari 
ness.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Pass  the  hands  down  the  legs,  hands  trembling,  gather  arms  to  side, 
fists  before  chin,  and  settle  elbows  down  in  the  lap ;  facial  expression 
corroborating.  (Apache  III.)  "  Action  of  an  exhausted  man." 

Tomahawk,  a\.  hatchet. 

Cross  the  arms,  and  slide  the  edge  of  the  right  hand,  held  vertically, 
down  over  the  left  arm.  ( Wied.)  Still  employed,  at  least  for  a  small 
hatchet,  or  "  dress  tomahawk,"  as  I  might  call  it.  The  essential  point  is 
laying  the  extended  right  hand  in  the  bend  of  the  left  elbow.  The 
sliding  down  over  the  left  arm  is  an  almost  unavoidable  but  quite  un 
necessary  accompaniment  to  the  sign.  The  sign  indicates  the  way  in 
which  the  hatchet  is  usually  carried  This  is  illustrated  in  Catlin's 
North  American  Indians  by  no  less  than  fourteen  portraits.  In  seven 
of  these  portraits  the  hatchet  is  represented  in  different  positions.  In 
one  of  these  the  position  approximates  that  of  this  sign  ;  in  others  the 
subject  is  so  loaded  down  with  weapons  that  he  cannot  give  his  ax  the 
usual  position,  and  in  others  there  are  some  evidences  of  "posing"  by 
the  artist.  Pipes,  whips,  bows  and  arrows,  fans,  and  other  dress  or  em 
blematic  articles  of  the  "  buck"  are  seldom  or  never  carried  in  the  bend 
of  the  left  elbow  as  is  the  ax.  The  pipe  is  usually  held  in  the  left  hand. 
(Matthews.)  There  is  not  the  least  similarity  in  execution  or  conception 
between  Wied's  and  the  (Oto  I)  signs,  the  former  being  also  very  ob 
scure.  Something  with  a  long  handle  and  wide  blade,  used  for  chop 
ping.  (Boteler.) 

Is  denoted  by  chopping  the  left  hand  with  the  right.     (Burton.) 

Eight  hand  elevated  to  level  of  chin,  fingers  open  and  flattened, 
thumb  lying  close  to  and  along  the  forefinger,  whole  hand  bent  in  the 
direction  of  the  little  finger  and  at  a  right  angle  to  the  wrist.  (Chey 
enne  I.)  "  The  motion  of  chopping  imitated,  using  the  forearm  as  the 
handle  of  the  ax." 

Eight  hand  in  front  of  the  body  as  though  grasping  the  handle  of  a 
tomahawk,  and  at  the  same  time  a  slight  upward  and  downward  move- 


268 

ment  of  the  hand  is  made.     ( Dakota  I.)     "  From  the  manner  of  holding 
the  tomahawk." 

With  right  hand  closed  or  opened,  and  the  palm  obliquely  upward 
toward  the  left,  and  the  left  hand  opened,  palm  obliquely  downward 
toward  the  right,  and  fingers  forward,  move  them  downward  toward 
the  left  several  times  to  imitate  chopping  with  an  ax.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  extended  flat  right  hand  edgewise  above  the  left,  similarly 
held,  both  pointing  toward  the  left  and  downward,  and  make  a  simulta 
neous  cut  in  that  direction  with  both.  (Dakota  VI;  Hidatsal;  Ari- 
kara  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  extended,  the  hand  edgewise,  thumb  up  and  fingers 
inclined  downward,  much  in  position  (I,  1),  fingers  opened.  The  ex 
tended  right  index  is  then  brought  to  touch  the  lower  thick  part  of  the 
left  hand,  and  then  slowly  drawn  downward  and  backward  to  about  the 
length  of  the  handle.  Both  hands  then,  in  statu  gwo,  exert  a  uniform 
and  simultaneous  up-and-down  motion,  as  in  chopping  wood.  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I.)  "  Something  with  a  long  handle  by  which  we  chop." 

The  right  hand,  with  extended  index  only,  is  brought  to  the  mouth 
and  the  finger  inserted ;  the  act  of  smoking  is  then  imitated  as  the  pole 
of  this  instrument  is  hollowed  and  handle  perforated  to  be  used  as  a 
pipe.  The  right  hand  is  now  extended  in  position  (l<  1),  modified  by 
fingers  being  opened  and  inclined  downward.  The  left  hand  is  then 
superimposed  to  the  left  in  position  (Ij  1),  modified  by  index  being 
closed.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "An  ax  through  which  one  smokes." 

To-morrow.    See  Day. 

Trade;  barter. 

First  make  the  sign  of  E xchailffe,  then  pat  the  left  arm  with  the 
right  finger,  with  a  rapid  motion  from  the  hand,  passing  it  toward 
the  shoulder.  (Long.) 

Strike  the  extended  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  several  times  upon 
that  of  the  left.  (  Wied.)  I  have  described  the  same  sign  in  different 
terms  and  at  greater  length.  It  is  only  necessary,  however,  to  place 
the  fingers  in  contact  once.  The  person  whom  the  Prince  saw  making 
this  sign  may  have  meant  to  indicate  something  more  than  the  simple 
idea  of  trade,  i.  e.,  trade  often  or  habitually.  The  idea  of  frequency  is 
often  conveyed  by  the  repetition  of  a  sign  (as  in  some  Indian  languages 
by  repetition  of  the  root).  Or  the  sign-maker  may  have  repeated  the 
sign  to  demonstrate  it  more  clearly.  (Matthews.)  Though  some  differ 
ence  exists  in  the  motions  executed  in  Wied?s  sign,  and  that  of  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I),  there  is  sufficient  similarity  to  justify  a  probable  identity  of 
conception  and  to  make  them  easily  understood.  (Boteler.)  In  the 
author's  mind  Exchange  was  probably  intended  for  one  transaction,  in 


269 

which  each  of  two  articles  took  the  place  before  occupied  by  the  other, 
and  Trade  was  intended  for  a  more  general  and  systematic  barter,  indi 
cated  by  the  repetition  of  strokes,  which  the  index-fingers  mutually 

changed  positions. 

• 

Cross  the  forefingers  of  both  hands  before  the  breast.  (Burton.) 
"Diamond  cut  diamond."  This  conception  of  one  smart  trader  cutting 
into  the  profits  of  another  is  a  mistake  arising  from  the  rough  resem 
blance  of  the  sign  to  that  for  Cutting* 

Cross  the  index-fingers.     (Macgowan.) 

Cross  the  forefingers  at  right  angles.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands,  palms  facing  each  other,  forefingers  extended,  crossed 
right  above  left  before  the  breast.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  left  hand,  with  forefinger  extended,  pointing  toward  the  right 
(rest  of  fingers  closed)  horizontal,  back  outward,  otherwise  as  (ifl),  is 
held  in  front  of  left  breast  about  a  foot;  and  the  right  hand,  with  fore 
finger  extended  ( JT),  in  front  of  and  near  the  right  breast,  is  carried  out 
ward  and  struck  over  the  top  of  the  stationary  left  (+)  crosswise,  where 
it  remains  for  a  moment.  (Dakota  I.) 

The  sign  should  be  made  at  the  height  of  the  breast.  Eaise  the  right 
index  about  a  foot  above  the  left  before  crossing  them.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"Yours  is  there  and  mine  is  there;  take  either." 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  across  those  of  the  left, 
both  being  slightly  spread.  The  hands  are  sometimes  used,  but  are 
placed  edgewise.  (Dakota  V.) 

Another:  The  index  of  the  right  hand  is  laid  across  the  forefinger 
of  the  left  when  the  transaction  includes  but  two  persons  trading  single 
article  for  article.  (Dakota  V.) 

Strike  the  back  of  the  extended  index  at  right  angle  against  the  radial 
side  of  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  forefingers  are  extended,  held  obliquely  upward,  and  crossed  at 
right  angles  to  one  another,  usually  in  front  of  the  chest.  (Mandan 
and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  palm  point  of  the  right  index  extended  touches  the  chest;  it  is 
then  turned  toward  the  second  individual  interested,  then  touches  the 
object.  The  arms  are  now  drawn  toward  the  body,  semiflexed,  with  the 
hands,  in  type-positions  (W  W),  crossed,  the  right  superposed  to  the 
left.  The  individual  then  casts  an  interrogating  glance  at  the  second 
person.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "To  cross  something  from  one  to  an 
other." 


270 

Close  the  bauds,  except  the  index-fingers  and  the  thumbs;  with  them 
open,  move  the  hands  several  times  past  one  another  at  the  height  of 
the  breast,  the  index-fingers  pointing  upward  and  the  thumbs  outward. 
(Iroquois  I.)  "The  movement  indicates  ' exchanging.'" 

Hold  the  left  hand  horizontally  before  the  body,  with  the  forefinger 
only  extended  and  pointing  to  the  right,  palm  downward ;  then,  with 
the  right  hand  closed,  index  only  extended,  palm  to  the  right,  place  the 
index  at  right  angles  on  the  forefinger  of  the  left,  touching  at  the  second 
joints.  (Kaiotca  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Pass  the  hands  in  front  of  the  body,  all  the  fingers  closed  except  the 
forefingers.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Close  the  fingers  of  both  hands  (K);  bring  them  opposite  each 
shoulder;  then  bring  the  hands  across  each  other's  pathway,  without 
permitting  them  to  touch.  At  the  close  of  the  sign  the  left  hand  will  be 
near  and  pointing  at  the  right  shoulder;  right  hand  will  be  near  and 
pointing  at  the  left  shoulder.  (ComancJte  I.) 

Close  both  hands,  leaving  the  forefingers  only  extended ;  place  the 
right  before  and  several  inches  above  the  left,  then  pass  the  right  hand 
toward  the  left  elbow  and  the  left  hand  toward  the  right  elbow,  each 
hand  following  the  course  made  by  a  flourishing  cut  with  a  short  sword. 
This  sign,  according  to  the  informant,  is  also  employed  by  the  Bauak 
and  Uiuatilla  Indians.  (Comanche  II;  Pai-Ute  I.) 

The  forefingers  of  both  hands  only  extended,  pass  the  left  from  left  to 
right,  and  the  right  at  the  same  time  crossing  its  course  from  the  tip 
toward  the  wrist  of  the  left,  stopping  when  the  wrists  cross.  ( Ute  I.) 
"  Exchange  of  articles." 

Hands  prouated  and  forefinger  crossed.     (Zuiii  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Close  the  hand  slightly,  as  if  taking  some 
thing,  and  move  it  forward  and  open  the  hand  as  if  to  drop  or  give 
away  the  thing,  and  again  close  and  withdraw  the  hand  as  if  to  take 
something  else.  (Ballard.) 

Our  instructed  deaf- mutes  use  substantially  the  sign  described  in  (Man- 
dan  and  Hidatsa  1.) 

To  buy. 

Hold  the  left  hand  about  twelve  inches  before  the  breast,  the  thumb 
resting  on  the  closed  third  and  fourth  fingers ;  the  fore  and  second  fin 
gers  separated  and  extended,  palm  toward  the  breast ;  then  pass  the 
extended  index  into  the  crotch  formed  by  the  separated  fingers  of  the 
left  hand.  This  is  an  invented  sign,  and  was  given  to  illustrate  the 
difference  between  buying  and  trading.  ( Ute  I.) 


271 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Make  a  circle  on  the  palm  of  the  left  hand 
with  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  to  denote  coin,  and  close  the  thumb 
and  finger  as  if  to  take  the  money,  and  put  the  hand  forward  to  signify 
giving  it  to  some  one,  and  move  the  hand  a  little  apart  from  the  place 
where  it  left  the  money,  and  then  close  and  withdraw  the  hand,  as  if  to 
take  the  thing  purchased.  (Bollard.} 

Italian  sign.— To  indicate  paying,  in  the  language  of  the  fingers,  one 
makes  as  though  he  put  something,  piece  after  piece,  from  one  hand  into 
the  other — and  gesture,  however,  far  less  expressive  than  that  when  a 
man  lacks  money  and  yet  cannot  make  up  a  face  to  beg  it;  or  simply  to 
indicate  want  of  money,  which  is  to  rub  together  the  thumb  and  fore 
finger,  at  the  same  time  stretching  out  the  hand.  (Butler.) 

Exchange. 

The  two  forefingers  are  extended  perpendicularly,  and  the  hands  are 
then  passed  by  each  other  transversely  in  front  of  the  breast  so  as  nearly 
to  exchange  positions.  (Long.) 

Pass  both  hands,  with  extended  forefingers,  across  each  other  before 
the  breast.  (  Wied.) 

Hands  brought  up  to  front  of  breast,  forefingers  extended  and  other 
fingers  slightly  closed;  hands  suddenly  drawn  toward  and  past  each 
other  until  forearms  are  crossed  in  front  of  breast.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "  Ex 
change;  right  hand  exchanging  position  with  the  left." 

Left  hand,  with  forefinger  extended,  others  closed  (Iff,  except  back  of 
hand  outward),  is  brought,  arm  extended,  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  and 
the  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  obliquely  upward,  others 
closed,  is  placed  crosswise  over  the  left  and  maintained  in  that  position 
for  a  moment,  when  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  relaxed  (as  in  Y), 
brought  near  the  breast  with  hand  horizontal,  palm  inward,  and  then 
carried  out  again  in  front  of  right  breast  twenty  inches,  with  palm  look 
ing  toward  the  left,  fingers  pointing  forward,  hand  horizontal,  and  then 
the  left  hand  performs  the  same  movements  on  the  left  side  of  the  body. 
(Dakota  I.)  "You  give  me,  I  give  you." 

The  hands,  backs  forward,  are  held  as  index  hands,  pointing  upward, 
the  elbows  being  fully  bent;  each  hand  is  then,  simultaneously  with  the 
other,  moved  to  the  opposite  skoulder,  so  that  the  forearms  cross  one 
another  almost  at  right  angles.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Trap  (beaver.) 

The  two  forefingers  brought  suddenly  together  in  a  parallel  manner, 
so  as  to  represent  the  snapping  of  the  steel  trap.  (Long.} 


272 

Travail;    plural,  Tr;ivnu\  or  Travels.    (The  corrupt  French 
expression  for  the  sledge  used,  by  Indians,  probably  from  traineau.) 
The  same  sign  as  for  Dog*.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Traveling.    See  Going. 

Moderately;  marching.     See  Going. 

With  great  rapidity.     See  Swift. 

Tree,  trees.    (Compare  Forest.) 

Vertically  raise  the  forefinger,  pointed  upward,  other  fingers  and 
thumb  closed,  back  of  hand  down.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Point  with  forefinger  extended  in  front  obliquely  toward  the  ground, 
and  with  an  extending  motion  of  arm  raise  the  hand  and  arm  quickly  to 
an  angle  of  over  45°  ;  extend  arm  at  full  length,  then  with  fingers  and 
thumb  extended,  shake  the  hand  once  or  twice  to  indicate  the  branches, 
look  up  as  if  following  motion  of  hand.  (Ojlbwa  IV.) 

First  hold  the  right  index  in  front  of  the  breast,  upright  ( J,  back 
outward),  for  a  moment,  and  then  open  the  second  and  third  fingers,  sep 
arate  them  and  let  them  point  upward  in  different  directions,  thumb 
resting  on  the  closed  little  finger.  (Dakota  I.)  "The  trunk  of  a  tree 
and  its  branches." 

With  the  hands  upright,  backs  forward,  fingers  a  little  separated  and 
slightly  bent,  the  right  behind  the  left  and  a  foot  in  front  of  the  chin, 
move  the  left  a  foot  or  so  obliquely  forward  toward  the  left,  and  the 
right  obliquely  backward  toward  the  right  until  it  is  in  front  of  and 
near  the  right  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  before  the  body,  back  forward,  fingers  and  thumb 
extended  and  separated ;  then  push  the  hand  slightly  upward.  Made 
more  than  once  in  succession  and  at  different  points  of  the  horizon, 
means  trees  or  groves.  (Dakota  V,  VI;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

Move  the  right  hand,  fingers  loosely  extended,  separated  and  pointing 
upward,  back  to  the  front,  upward  from  the  height  of  the  waist  to  the 
front  of  the  face.  For  trees,  not  referring  to  a  dense  grove  or  a  forest, 
the  same  sign  is  repeated  several  times  toward  different  points  in  front  of 
the  body.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Trunk 
and  branches." 

Grove  of. 


See  Trees.     (Dakota  V,  VI ;  Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

Raise  the  right  arm  vertically,  with  fingers  and  thumb  spread,  then 
grasp  the  arm  near  the  shoulder  with  the  left  hand.      ( Wyandot  I.) 


273 

"  Trunk  aiid  branches,  the  left  hand  representing  the  earth  inclosing 
the  base  of  the  trunk." 

True,  truth. 

The  forefinger  passed  in  the  attitude  of  pointing,  from  the  mouth  for 
ward  in  a  line  curving  a  little  upward,  the  other  fingers  being  carefully 
closed.  (Long.) 

Lower  the  hand  in  front  of  the  breast,  then  extend  the  index-finger, 
raise  and  move  it  straight  forward  before  the  person.  ( Wiefl.)  I  have 
described  the  sign  for  this  in  much  the  same  way.  I  think  "  lower  the 
hand"  refers  simply  to  a  preparatory  motion;  if  the  hand  were  hang 
ing  by  the  side,  "  raise  the  hand."  I  have  usually  seen  the  index-finger 
held  horizontally,  not  perpendicularly,  if  that  is  what  he  means  by 
raised.  (Mattlieics.)  The  right  arm  is  flexed  at  the  elbow  and  the  hand 
drawn  up  to  the  mouth.  The  index-finger  is  extended  palm  downward 
and  made  to  pass  steadily  forward,  describing  an  arc  of  a  quadrant 
downward.  Though  WiecPs  sign  is  very  inexplicit,  there  is  much  simi 
larity  between  it  and  the  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  both  as  to  conception  and 
movement.  In  the  former,  the  stress  is  on  what  comes  from  the  mouth  ; 
in  the  latter  what  comes  from  the  breast.  (Boteler.)  "  That  which 
comes  straight  from  the  mouth  or  breast." 

If  one  finger  is  thrust  forward  in  a  straight  line  from  the  mouth,  it 
means  a  straight  speech,  or  speaking  the  truth.  (Ojibwa  I.) 

Thrust  the  forefinger  from  the  mouth  direct  to  the  front,  i.  e.,  "straight," 
not  "  crooked  speech."  Also,  the  sign  for  Lie,  Falsehood,  followed 
by  that  of  Negation.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Right-hand  fingers  and  thumb  drooping,  hold  thumb  inward  against 
the  heart ;  brought  up  to  the  level  of  the  mouth,  middle,  third,  and  little 
finger  closed,  forefinger  extended  pointing  forward,  thrust  suddenly, 
with  a  curved  motion,  straight  forward  from  the  mouth.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  horizontal  right  hand  (HI),  other  fin 
gers  closed,  is  carried  straight  outward  from  the  mouth.  This  is  also 
the  sign  for  Yes.  (Dakota  I.)  il  One  tongue ;  straight-forward  talking." 

Place  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  mouth,  back  upward,  index  ex 
tended  and  pointing  forward,  other  fingers  half  closed,  thumb  as  you 
please,  move  the  hand  forward  about  eight  inches.  Some  point  the  in 
dex  forward  and  upward.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  One  tongue." 

Touch  the  breast  over  the  heart  with  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand ; 
then  with  the  extended  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  pass  it  forward 
from  the  mouth,  elevate  and  hold  it  a  moment.  (Dakota  V.)  l'This 
signifies  ' oue-tougued,'  and  coming  from  the  heart  as  'sincerity  of 
thought.'"  The  breast,  being  the  initial  point,  the  sign  nearly  cor 
responds  with  the  French  deaf-mute  sign  for  Sincere. 
35 


274 

Pass  the  extended  index,  pointing  upward  and  forward,  forward  from 
the  mouth.  (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  sign  is  the  same  as  that  for  Yes,  except  that  the  hand  is  held 
before  and  often  in  contact  with  the  month  and  the  motion  made  from 
that  point.  (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  gradually  brought  to  the  mouth  which  is  in  motion 
of  talking.  The  hand  is  in  position  (I  1)  modified  by  the  index-linger 
being  more  extended.  The  hand  and  index  then  describe  the  arc  of  a 
quadrant,  the  index-finger  pointing  forward,  outward  and  downward. 
(Oto  I.)  "What  comes  straight  or  unvarying." 

Make  the  sign  for  Speak,  then  point  upward  with  the  extended 
index.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "  Talk  good." 

Pass  the  extended  index,  pointing  upward  and  forward,  to  the  front 
several  times.  ( Ute  I.)  "  But  one  tongue ;  only  one  way  in  talking — to 
the  front." 

With  the  index  only  extended,  pointing  forward,  push  it  forward 
from  the  mouth  in  a  slightly  downward  direction  and  terminating  as 
high  as  in  the  beginning.  (Apache  I.) 

Strike  with  right  index,  erect,  from  lips  forward ;  repeat  the  move 
ment  with  emphasis,  not  returning  to  lips  each  time.  (Apache  III.) 
"  That  is  so." 

Euu  the  finger  straight  out  from  the  center  or  middle  of  the  mouth. 
(Zuni  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Nod  the  head  several  times  with  an  earnest 
look,  in  answer  to  an  indication  of  doubt  on  another  person's  face. 
(Ballard.) 

Deaf-mutes  generally  give  the  gesture  of  moving  one  finger  straight 
from  the  lips.  "  Straight-forward  speaking." 

Try,  To;  To  Attempt. 

With  both  fists  (A.,  knuckles  outward)  in  front  of  breast,  the  left  a 
little  in  rear  of  the  right,  move  outward  briskly  and  repeat  the  motion 
two  or  three  times.  (Cheyenne  II.)  "  Keep  pushing." 

Eight  index,  as  ( J),  carried  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  and  in  front  of 
the  body,  when  the  hand  is  turned  horizontal,  finger  pointing  straight 
outward,  and  then  the  hand  is  drawn  inward  toward  the  body  and 
slightly  upward  and  then  thrown  forward  and  downward,  on  a  curve, 
with  a  quick  strong  movement,  so  that  the  arm  is  fully  extended  in 
front  of  the  body,  with  finger  horizontal  and  pointing  outward.  (Dakota 
I.)  "Anything  it  is  I  will  try  to  do." 


275 

Turkey. 

The  open  hands  brought  up  opposite  to  the  shoulders  and  imitating 
slowly  the  motion  of  the  wings  of  a  bird,  to  which  add  the  sign  for 
Chicken.  (D  unbar.) 

Understand.    (Compare  Hear  and  Know.) 

The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  brought  together  near  the 
tips,  and  then  approached  and  receded,  to  and  from  the  ear  two  or  three 
times,  with  a  quick  motion,  made  within  the  distance  of  two  or  three 
inches  The  motion  of  the  fingers  is  designed  to  represent  the  sound 
entering  the  ear.  (Long.) 

Vertically  lower  the  hand  (right  usually  employed),  forefinger  and 
thumb  extended,  other  fingers  closed  and  nails  up,  in  a  decisive  or  em 
phatic  manner.  This  is  often  preceded  by  the  sign  of  affirmation,"!,  e., 
Yes,  I  understand.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Eight  hand,  middle,  third,  and  little  fingers  closed,  forefinger  extended, 
thumb  cocked  upward,  held  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  mouth ;  sign 
for  Yes.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

To  point  with  the  forefinger  to  the  ear  means  "  I  have  heard  and 
understand."  (Ojibica  I.) 

Make  the  sign  To  Hear,  then  place  the  hand  quickly  before  the 
chin,  the  index  pointing  to  the  left ;  then  move  the  hand  forward  and 
downward  a  short  distance  until  the  palm  comes  uppermost.  The  mo 
tion  takes  place  at  the  wrist.  When  the  motion  is  quickly  made  at  the 
termination  of  the  sign  Hear  to  the  beginning  of  that  for  Under 
stand,  it  is  equivalent  to  the  conjunction  and.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Forefinger  of  the  right  hand  extended  and  crooked,  other  fingers 
closed,  thumb  resting  on  the  second,  is  carried  behind  the  right  ear, 
and  then  in  the  same  position  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  where  it  is  held 
for  a  moment  with  hand  upright,  edge  of  fingers  outward,  back  of  hand 
toward  the  right.  (Dakota  I.)  "  I  hear;  I  understand." 

After  making  the  sign  for  T«  hear,  throw  the  back  of  the  hand  for 
ward  (retaining  the  position  of  the  fingers),  and  move  it  forward  and 
downward.  (Absarokal',  Hidatsal;  Arikaral.) 

Both  arms  are  flexed  and  folded  on  the  chest ;  the  fingers  are  closed 
except  the  index,  which  is  hooked  much  as  in  position  (I),  index  more 
opened  and  hand  horizontal.  The  hands  thus  are  made  to  touch  the 
sides  of  the  chest  and  then  passed  uniformly  forward  toward  the  object ; 
the  same  several  times  repeated.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Something 
known  between  you  and  me." 


276 

Make  the  sign  for  To  Hear,  and  by  merely  reversing  the  palm 
conclude  by  that  for  To  Know.  Sometimes  the  sign  for  To  Know 
is  made  only,  as  an  abbreviation.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache 
II  j  Wichita  II.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  moved  quickly  from  behind  the  ear  to  the 
front.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Another:  Move  right  hand,  palm  toward  head,  all  lingers  extended 
(T  1),  to  a  position  behind  ear;  then  move  it  past  the  ear  to  a  point 
in  front  of  breast;  then  turn  the  hand,  palm  down  ("W  1),  and  move 
to  a  point,  say  a  foot  from  body,  and  a  little  to  the  riglit.  This  last 
is  sign  for  Good.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "Cutting  oft'  the  sound  or  words." 

Index  to  breast,  then  to  lips  with  a  vigorous  thrust  upward  and  for 
ward,  with  an  affirmative  nod.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Look  down  at  vacancy,  with  the  eyebrows 
knit,  and  placing  the  hands  on  the  forehead  and  then  raising  the  head, 
slightly  arch  the  eyebrows.  (Ballard.) 

-  Do  not.    See  also  Hear,  do  not. 

Move  the  flat  hand  quickly  past  the  ears  means  "I  have  not  heard" 
and  may  mean  that  he  iclll  not  understand,  or  that  the  request  passes 
his  ears  unheeded.  According  to  circumstances  it  may  mean  that  it 
passes  his  ears  because  he  considers  it  untrue.  Slightly  modified,  it 
will  indicate,  "You  are  trying  to  take  me  in."  (Ojibira  IV.) 

Sign  for  Understand,  followed  by  that  for  IVo.  (Arapaho  I ;) 
(Cheyenne  II.) 

Point  to  the  ear  with  the  right  index,  slightly  curved  and  remaining 
fingers  closed ;  then  place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  and  snap  them  off — as  if  sprinkling  water,  from  the  ear  outward 
and  forward  from  the  ear.  (Shoshoni  and  Bandk  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Understand,  and  then  the  sign  for  IVo. 
(Dakota  I.)  "Do  not  hear  you,  understand  you." 

The  sign  for  Hear,  followed  by  that  for  Hfo,  made  to  the  side  of  the 
head.  (Apache  I.) 

Pass  one  or  two  fingers  from  lips  to  the  ear  and  make  the  sign  for 
~Xo.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Look  down  at  vacancy,  knit  the  eyebrows, 
putting  the  hand  on  the  forehead  and  shake  the  head.  (BaUard.) 

Unready,  unprepared,  etc. 

The  arms  are  raised  and  extended  parallel  before  the  body.    The 


277 

hands  assume  position  (Kl)  modified  by  being  horizontal.  The  index- 
fingers  are  then  approximated  and  rubbed  together  at  palmar  points. 
(Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 

Ve§t.     See  Clothing.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Vain. 

Cannot  be  separated  from  Proud,  Pride.    (Dakota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Move  the  fingers  of  both  hands  up  and  down. 

(Zeiyler.) 

Purse-proud. 

Italian  sign. — Both  hands  stuck  in  the  pocket.     (Bollard.} 

Vermillion.    See  Color. 

Village  (Indian).    (Compare  Kettle.) 

Place  the  open  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  opposite  to  each 
other,  as  if  to  make  a  circle,  but  leaving  between  them  a  small  interval; 
afterward  move  them  from  above  downward  simultaneously.  ( Wied.) 
There  is  no  similarity  in  execution  of  the  (Oto  and  Missouri  I)  sign  and 
that  of  Wied's^  nor  in  their  conception,  as  the  village  is  not  surrounded 
by  a  stockade.  (Boteler.}  The  villages  of  the  tribes  with  which  the 
author  was  longest  resident,  particularly  the  Mandans  and  Arikaras, 
were  surrounded  by  a  strong  circular  stockade,  spaces  or  breaks  in  the 
circle  being  left  for  entrance  or  exit. 

Repetitious  of  the  sign  for  Lodge,  or  that  sign  and  that  for  JUany. 

(Arapaho  I.) 

Partly  extend  the  tips  of  fingers  of  both  hands,  slightly  cross  the 
hands  perpendicular  in  front  of  breast,  then  describe  a  circle  by  a  slight 
circular  move  of  the  hands  and  wrists,  palms  inside,  and  drop  the  hands 
a  little,  and  in  both  descriptions  point  to  the  direction  of  the  village, 
and  repeat  several  times  the  form  sign  within  reach  of  the  arms  and 
hand  when  a  village  is  described,  and  but  once  if  only  one  house  is  to 
be  described,  saying  Wig-warn!  (Ojibica  IV.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Lodge,  tipi,  and  then  the  sign  for 
Jflany.  (Dakota  I,  IV.)  "Manytipis." 

The  arms  are  elevated  and  the  hands  approximated  at  the  finger  tips 
before  the  face ;  the  hands  and  arms  then  diverge  from  points  of  con 
tact  to  form  the  triangular  representation  of  the  wigwam  door;  the 
sign  for  wigwam  or  house  being  thus  completed,  the  right  fist,  in  type- 
position  (A),  marks  the  same  successively  around  the  subject's  position 
on  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Many  houses  collected  in  one 
locality." 


278 

Raise  both  hands  to  a  position  in  front,  a  little  to  right  of  the  face, 
fingers  extended,  pointing  upward,  palms  facing  each  other  (R  1,  right 
and  left).  Then,  with  zigzag  movement,  up  and  down,  pass  them  in  front 
of  face  to  left,  hands  say  five  inches  apart.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "Village — 
things  standing  on  ground." 

White  man's. 

Repetition  of  sign  for  House,  also  that  sign  and  the  sign  for  ?l  a  n  >  . 
(Arapaho  I.) 

Move  both  hands  with  two  motions,  first  back  of  left  toward  palm 
right,  about  twelve  inches  apart,  then  forming  a  right  angle  forming  a 
square  representing  the  four  sides  of  a  house ;  then  place  the  hands, 
thumbs  under  so  as  to  show  a  cover,  as  a  roof  of  a  house,  and  pronounc 
ing  Wig-icam.  (Ojibica  I.) 

The  sign  for  White  man  is  prefixed  to  that  for  Village.  (Da 
kota  I.)  "  Many  white  men's  houses." 

Make  the  sign  for  Hoil§e,  and  then  the  sign  for  Tinny.  (Dakota 
IV.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Village,  followed  by  that  for  White  man. 

(Sahaptin  I.) 

Outline  with  extended  hands  (T  on  edge)  the  vertical  walls  and 
peaked  roof;  also  between  earth  and  roof  pass  the  hand  (X  reversed), 
horizontally,  indicating  house  divided  into  two  stories;  dimensions 
large;  wave  hands  about  horizontally,  level  of  chin,  palms  down  (W), 
great  extent  of  town.  (Apache  III.) 

Volley. 

The  two  hands  as  in  sign  for  discharge  of  a  deadly  missile,  are  held  in 
front,  a  few  inches  apart  and  directed  toward  one  another,  then  the  fin 
gers  are  suddenly  straightened  as  in  the  same  sign ;  this  may  be  repeated 
to  represent  the  volleys  of  contending  forces,  and  each  hand  may  make 
its  sign  simultaneously  or  alternately  with  the  other.  (Mandanand  Hi- 
datsa  I,) 

Wagon. 

Roll  hand  over  hand,  imitating  a  wheel.     (Burton.) 

The  right  hand,  with  fingers  closed  (fist  B),  is  rotated  at  the  right 
side  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  motion  of  the  wheels." 

Both  hands  held  in  front  of  the  body,  the  fingers  extended,  the  right 
fingers  pointing  to  the  left,  the  left  fingers  to  the  right,  the  tips  of  the 
fingers  opposite  the  wrist  of  the  opposite  hand,  the  hands  about  six 
inches  apart,  both  palms  toward  the  body.  By  a  movement  of  the 


279 

elbows,  rotate  the  hands  over  each  other  to  the  front,  like  a  revolving 
wheel.     (Dakota  III.) 

Place  both  hands,  palms  backward,  at  the  height  of  the  shoulders  and 
a  little  in  front  of  them,  or  place  them  near  the  sides  of  the  body,  flex 
both  forefingers  and  thumbs  until  their  ends  are  about  an  inch  apart, 
the  other  fingers  nearly  closed,  then  throw  the  hands  forward  several 
times,  each  time  bringing  the  ends  of  the  thumbs  and  forefingers  togeth 
er,  to  imitate  the  rotation  of  wheels.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  are  flexed  at  a  right  angle  before  the  chest ;  the  hands 
then  assume  type-position  (L<),  modified  by  the  index-finger  being  hooked 
and  middle  finger  partly  opened  and  hooked  similarly ;  the  hands  are 
held  horizontally  and  rotated  forward  side  by  side  to  imitate  two 
wheels,  palms  upward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  erect  wagon- 
standard  and  curved  rolling  wheel." 

Both  hands  closed  in  front  of  the  body,  about  four  inches  apart,  with 
forefingers  and  thumbs  approximating  half  circles,  palms  toward  the 
ground,  move  forward  slowly  in  short  circles.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Gomanche 
III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "  Wheels  and  revolving  motion  forward/ 

Swing  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  around  each  other,  representing 
the  wheel  running.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

(1)  Circle  both  thumbs  and  indices,  and  hold  them  parallel ;  (2)  place 
these  circles  with  slight  emphasis  in  two  places;  (3)  seize  left  circle 
with  right  thumb  and  index  and  move  right  hand  as  if  removing  it ; 
(4)  dip  right  index  downward ;  (5)  sweep  it  around  extended  left  index ; 
(6)  remake  left  circle.  (Apache  III.)  "(l)Two  wheels;  (2)  capable  of 
progression:  (3)  took  off  one  wheel;  (4)  dipped  up  grease;  (5)  greased 
axle;  (6)  put  on  wheel  again."  This  probably  means  more  than  the 
simple  idea  of  u  wagon." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — An  up  and-down  motion  of  the  bent  arms  in 
imitation  of  a  man  riding  on  horseback,  and  moving  the  fingers  in  cir 
cles  to  denote  the  motion  of  the  wheels.  (Ballard.) 

Wait. 

Australian  sign. — u  Minnie-minnie."  (Wait  a  little) — Hand  with  fin 
gers  half  clinched,  between  type-positions  (A)  and  (D),  thumb  straight, 
shaken  downward  rapidly  two  or  three  times.  Done  more  slowly,  to 
ward  the  ground,  it  means  Sit  down.  (Smyth.) 

Want,  To. 

Curve  the  index,  and  bring  it  in  a  curve  down  ward  toward  the  mouth, 
past  it,  and  forward  from  the  breast  a  short  distance.  (Kaiowa  II; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 


280 
War.     See  Battle. 

To  declare. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Battle,  and  then  the  sign  for 
or  Traveling*.  Of  course  Indians  do  not  make  any  formal  declaration 
of  war,  and  the  above  sign  would  be  rendered  going  to  battle,  going  to 
Jight.  (Dakota  I.)  " From  fighting,  battle." 

War-path,  On  the. 

With  its  index  at  a  right  angle  with  the  palm,  and  pointing  toward 
the  left,  its  thumb  extended  and  upright,  back  of  hand  forward  and 
outward,  the  other  fingers  closed,  move  the  right  hand  rapidly  forward 
about  a  foot  from  just  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  The  thumb  chasing  the  index." 

Warm.     (Compare  Hot.) 

Draw  the  hand  across  the  forehead  as  if  wiping  off  the  perspiration. 
(Apache  II.) 

Wash. 

Rub  the  hand  as  with  invisible  soap  in  imperceptible  water.    (Burton.) 
Back  of  left  hand  briskly  rubbed  with  palm  of  right.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Precisely  the  same  as  though  washing  the  face  with  both  hands  with 
water  contained  in  a  wash-basin,  about  the  height  of  the  stomach. 
(Dakota  I.)  "From  the  act  of  washing." 

Water.    (Compare  Drinking1.) 

The  hand  formed  into  a  bowl  and  brought  up  to  the  mouth,  passing  a 
little  upward  without  touching  the- mouth.  (Dunbar.) 

The  hand  is  partially  clinched,  so  as  to  have  something  of  a  cup- 
shape,  and  the  opening  between  the  thumb  and  finger  is  raised  to  the 
mouth  and  continued  above  it.  (Long.) 

Open  the  right  hand  and  pass  it  before  the  mouth  from  above  down 
ward.  ( Wied.) 

Wave  the  right  hand,  held  open,  palm  to  the  mouth,  as  if  about  to 
hold  the  mouth  shut,  lick  the  palm  of  the  hand  with  the  tongue,  moving 
the  hand  from  above  downward  on  the  tongue.  (Burton.) 

Present  the  hollowed  hand,  cup  shaped,  other  fingers  and  thumb 
closed,  back  of  the  hand  down.  (Arapalio  I.) 

A  hollow  hand,  with  the  motion  of  drawing  water.     (Ojibica  I.) 

Right  hand  flat  and  slightly  arched  or  curved;  pass  it  downward 
before  the  face  from  the  forehead  to  the  chin,  palm  inward.  (Absaroka 
I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "To  wash  the  face." 


281 

Same  as  the  sigii  for  Drinking  or  for  Rirer,  which  of  course 
includes  water.  (Dakota  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  upright  six  or  eight  inches  in  front  of  (he  mouth, 
back  outward,  index  and  thumb  crooked,  and  their  ends  about  an  inch 
apart,  the  other  fingers  nearly  closed  ;  move  it  toward  the  mouth,  and 
then  downward  nearly  to  the  top  of  the  breastbone,  at  the  same  time 
turn  the  hand  over  toward  the  mouth  until  the  little  finger  is  upper 
most.  (Dakota  IV.)  u  Carrying  a  cup  to  the  mouth  and  emptying  it." 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  bring 
them  to  the  mouth,  palm  up.  ( Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  flat  right  hand  before  the  face,  pointing  upward  and  forward, 
the  back  forward  with  the  wrist  as  high  as  the  nose;  then  draw  it  down 
ward  and  inward  toward  the  chin.  (Kaiowal;  Comanchelll;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.)  u  From  the  former  custom  of  drinking  with  the  bowl- 
shaped  hand." 

Pass  the  extended  flat  right  hand  downward  before  the  face,  fingers 
to  the  left  and  back  forward.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "From  the 
manner  in  which  it  is  used  in  washing  the  face." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Eaise  and  depress  the  hand  in  imitation  of 
a  man  handling  a  pump,  and  move  the  hand  to  the  mouth  and  raise  the 
head  in  imitation  of  the  act  of  drinking.  (Ballard.) 

A  drink  of. 

Make  sign  for  Bring1 ;  fingers  still  crooked  as  in  sign  for  Many. 
brought  over  forward  from  the  mouth  with  sudden  downward  curve. 

(Cheyenne  I.) 

Spring  of. 

(1)  Hold  the  hands  down,  thumbs  and  indices  widely  separated,  as  if 
inclosing  a  round  object  twenty  inches  across ;  (2)  trace  a  serpentine  line 
from  it  with  finger  tip.  (Apache  III.)  "(1)  A  spring;  (2)  a  rivulet." 

Watermelons,  Squashes,  and  Muskmelons. 

Pautomimically  expressed  by  illustrating  their  form  on  the  ground, 
and  according  to  size  for  specific  designation.  ( Ute  I.) 

Weak,  Weakness. 

Left  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  body  about  a  foot,  hand  horizontal, 
fingers  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  right,  back  of  hand  outward 
(S  I),  and  the  right  hand  (S  1)  is  passed  from  the  right  breast  forward 
by  the  left,  with  the  fingers  pointing  straight  outward,  back  of  hand 
toward  the  right,  and  then  the  right  hand  carried  directly  out  toward 
the  right  side  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  No ;  no  go ;  cannot  go  ;  am 
weak,  sickly." 
36 


282 

Well,  Good  Health. 

Have  a  smiling  countenance,  raise  both  hands  quickly  to  lower  part 
of  face  and  mouth  as  if  in  the  act  of  eating,  shake  and  gently  touch  the 
breast  and  body,  as  hands  descend  in  front,  separate  over  the  abdomen 
with  quivering  motion,  then  move  both  hands  outward,  raise  hands 
quickly,  back  of  hands  above,  stand  erect  and  throw  chest  forward. 
(OjibwalV.) 

Palms  of  both  hands,  fingers  extended,  touch  the  body  over  the 
breast,  stomach,  abdomen,  &c.,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Good. 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Body  is  all  good;  I  am  well." 

The  arms  are  passed  tremblingly  up  the  sides  of  the  body,  then  the 
extended  indices  are  made  to  press  the  temples,  the  countenance  as 
suming  all  the  while  a  visage  of  distress;  the  sign  for  Sick  being 
thus  completed  the  hand  is  thrown  open  negatively  from  the  body  to 
indicate  emphatically — no  sickness.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Xot  sick 
or  in  distress." 

Weep,  To;  To  Cry. 

The  forefinger  of  each  hand  extended,  carried  to  its  respective  eye,  back 
of  hand  outward,  all  fingers  but  the  index  closed,  carry  the  fingers  down 
the  face  as  though  following  the  course  of  the  tear-drops.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  dropping  of  the  tears." 

Make  the  sign  for  1C  a  in,  but  in  so  doing  hold  the  backs  of  the  pend 
ent  fingers  toward  the  face,  and  drop  the  hand  repeatedly  from  the  eyes 
downward.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Literally,  '  eye-rain ;'  drops  of  water  from  the 
eyes." 

Sign  for  Water  made  from  eyes.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Rub  the  eye  with  the  back  of  the  hand  as 
children  do  when  crying.  (Bollard.} 

What  ?  What  do  you  say  ?    See  Question. 

Wheat.    (Compare  Grass.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Grass,  begun  near  the  ground,  and  gradually  and 
interruptedly  elevated  to  the  height  of  about  three  feet.  ( Ute  I.) 

When  ?    See  Question. 

Whence  come  you? 

First  the  sign  for  Vou,  then  the  hand  extended  open  and  drawn  to 
the  breast,  and  lastly  the  sign  for  Bringing1.  (Dunbar.) 

Where? 

With  its  back  upward  and  index  pointing  forward,  carry  the  right 


283 

hand  from  left  to  right  about  eight  inches,  raising  and  lowering  it 
several  times  while  so  doing,  as  if  quickly  pointing  at  different  objects. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Whiskey. 

Make  the  sign  for  Bad  and  Drink,  for  "bad  water."    (Burton.} 

Sign  for  Water  and  Fire.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  Sign  for  Bring1,  and  right-hand  fingers  outspread,  tips 
pointing  upward,  shaken  before  forehead  with  wave  of  head  to  indicate 
unsteadiness.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Drinking,  and  then  the  sign  for  Fool. 
(Dakota  L)  "Very  expressive." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  elevated,  the  right  hand  approaches  the 
chest  in  type-position  (G- 1),  modified  by  being  held  edge  up.  The  hand 
thus  seemingly  grasping  a  bottle  is  passed  semicircularly  upward  to 
ward,  then  to  the  mouth  and  from  it,  the  head  receding.  The  hand 
then  falls  to  the  side,  and  the  head  inclining  to  either  side  is  swayed  to 
and  fro,  indicative  of  lost  equilibrium.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  Some 
thing  drunk  that  stupefies  the  senses." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Raise  the  hand,  fingers  placed  together,  to 
ward  the  mouth,  and  shake  the  body  to  and  fro  sidewise.  (Larson.) 

White.    See  Color. 

White  Man;  American. 

Place  the  open  index-finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  toward  the 
face,  then  pass  it  to  the  right  in  front  of  the  forehead  to  indicate  the 
hat.  (  Wied.)  Still  used  to  some  extent.  (Matthews.)  There  is  a  plain 
and  evident  similarity  in  both  execution  and  conception  in  the  (Oto  I) 
sign  and  Wied's.  (Boteler.) 

The  sign  for  Trade  also  denotes  the  Americans,  and,  indeed,  any 
white  men,  who  are  generally  called  by  the  Indians  west  of  the  Eocky 
Mountains  "  Sh  wop,"  from  our  "swap  "or  "swop."  (Burton.}  This  is 
a  legacj7  from  the  traders  who  were  the  first  representatives  of  what 
used  to  be  called  the  Caucasian  race,  met  by  the  Indians. 

A  finger  passed  across  the  forehead.    (Macgoican.) 

Indicate  upon  the  forehead  with  the  hand  the  supposed  line  of  contact 
of  a  hat.  (Arapaho  I.)  "  Literally,  '  the  hat- wearers.' " 

Hold  one  hand  horizontally  over  the  forehead.  (Sae,  Fox  and  Kicka- 
poo  I.) 


284 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (JI,  turned  inward)  is 
drawn  from  the  left  side  of  the  head  around  in  front  to  the  right  side, 
about  on  a  line  with  the  brim  of  the  hat,  with  back  of  hand  outward. 
(Dakota  I.)  "From  the  wearing  of  a  hat." 

Draw  the  opened  right  hand  horizontally  from  left  to  right  across  the 
forehead  a  little  above  the  eyebrows,  the  back  of  the  hand  to  be  upward 
and  the  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left.  Or,  close  all  the  fingers  except 
the  index,  and  draw  it  across  the  forehead  in  the  same  manner.  (Da 
kota  IV.)  "  From  the  hats  worn  by  the  whites." 

Close  the  right  hand,  and  draw  the  back  of  the  thumb  horizontally 
across  the  forehead  from  left  to  right.  (Hi<l<it*<(  1  ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  raised  and  the  hand  assuming  position  (I  1),  index 
not  entirely  closed  but  loosely  hooked,  is  then  drawn  across  the  fore 
head  in  a  line  corresponding  to  the  hat  mark.  The  Indians  wearing 
generally  a  rudely  constructed  turban  would  most  likely  select  the  sign 
for  hat  to  distinguish  the  white  man,  from  its  being  his  universal  head 
dress.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  man  that  wears  the  hat." 

Point  to  the  eye  with  the  index,  then  place  the  half-closed  hands, 
palms  toward  the  forehead,  over  the  eyes  and  pass  them  downward  over 
the  cheeks  and  forward  toward  the  chin.  (  Wyandot  I.)  "  Stated  to  be 
based  upon  the  fact  of  the  generally  gray  or  light  eyes  of  Americans  first 
seen,  followed  by  the  sign  lor  Person." 

Pass  the  palmar  surface  of  the  fully  extended  and  separated  thumb 
and  index  of  the  right  hand  across  the  forehead  from  left  to  right. 
Although  this  is  the  essence  of  the  gesture,  numerous  slight  varia 
tions  or  abbreviations  occur.  Frequently  the  extended  index  only  is 
drawn  across  the  forehead ;  sometimes  the  thumb  is  placed  against 
the  right  temple  as  a  support  for  the  hand,  as  the  index  is  drawn 
across  to  it.  The  hand  and  arm  may  be  placed  in  almost  any  position, 
as  it  does  not  form  an  essential  feature  in  expressing  the  idea.  The  left 
hand  has  also  been  used  in  instances  when  the  right  was  engaged,  as 
in  holding  a  pipe  while  smoking,  or  from  other  causes.  (Kaiowa  I ; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "The  line  at  which  the  hat 
rests  against  the  forehead." 

Raise  right  hand  to  side  of  head,  arched,  thumb  and  fingers  horizon 
tal,  pointing  to  temple*  (H  1)  then  pass  hand  in  that  position  over  the 
forehead,  at  same  time  turning  head  to  right.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Man 
with  hal." 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand, 
palm  downward,  across  the  right  side  of  the  forehead.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 


285 

Imitate  the  stroking  of  chin  whiskers,  then  place  the  back  of  the  wrist 
against  the  chin,  allowing  the  spread  fingers  and  thumb  to  point  forward 
and  downward.  ( Ute  I.) 

Another :  Draw  the  radial  side  of  the  extended  index  across  the  fore 
head  from  left  to  right.  ( Vte  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Ulan;  place  the  hands  on  face;  touch  tent-cloth 
or  some  other  white  object,  point  to  the  hands.  (Apache  III.)  "  Man 
with  white  face  or  hands." 

Another:  Hand  turned,  tips  down  under  chin  (Q).  (Apache  III.) 
'  Bea  rd ;  the  Mescaleros  being  beardless." 

Deaf-mutes  generally,  in  especial  the  French,  make  the  "hat"  sign 
for  man  as  distinguished  from  woman. 

Wicked.     See  Bad  heart. 

Wide.     See  Big1  in  the  sense  of  wide. 

Wife.    See  Hu§band,  Relationship,  and  Comparison. 

Wigwam.    See  Lodge. 

Wild. 

The  hands  in  front  of  their  respected  breasts,  with  fingers  and  thumbs 
extended,  separated  and  pointing  downward,  backs  of  hands  outward, 
are  quickly  carried  outward  with  a  tremulous  motion  of  all  the  fingers, 
and  as  the  hands  are  carried  outward  increase  the  distance  between 
them,  i.  e.,  carry  the  hands  out  obliquely.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Probably  from 
the  movements  of  some  kinds  of  game  on  being  surprised." 

Wind  (air  in  motion).    Air. 

Eight  hand  held  perpendicularly  upward  and  brought  forward  with  a 
tremulous  or  vibratory  motion  until  it  passes  beyond  the  face.  (Dunbar.) 

Stretch  the  fingers  of  both  hands  outward,  puffing  violently  the  while. 

(Burton.} 

Indicate  with  the  extended  hand  its  direction  and  force,  and  emit  a 
whistling  sound.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  held  up  carelessly  before  the  body,  fingers  naturally 
extended,  swept  suddenly  with  downward  and  upward  curve  to  the 
left.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Eight  hand  with  the  fingers  slightly  separated,  upright  palm  forward 
or  outward  (R),  is  carried,  held  in  this  position,  from  behind  the  body, 
by  the  right  side  of  the  head,  to  the  front  of  the  body,  on  the  same  level 


286 

as  far  as  the  arm  can  be  extended,  and  at  the  same  make  with  the 
mouth  a  sound  in  resemblance  to  the  whistling  of  the  wind.  (Dakota  I.) 
"From  the  whistling  of  air  in  motion  swiftly  by  a  person." 

Make  short,  rapid,  vertical  vibrations  of  the  hand,  spread  and  palm 
down  ( W),  sweeping  it  from  behind  forward,  about  height  of  waist ; 
accompanied  by  a  whizzing  sound  from  the  mouth.  (Apache  III.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — Blow  through  the  lips  and  move  the  uplifted 
hand  horizontally.  (Bollard.) 

Blow  the  air  from  the  mouth,  and  then  move  the  stretched  hand  in 
a  line  before  the  breast.  (Larson.) 

Winter.    (Compare  Cold.) 

A  shrinking,  shivering  condition ;  move  as  if  drawing  a  blanket  around 
the  head  and  shoulders,  then  move  both  hands  above  the  head,  shaking 
the  hand  as  in  the  case  of  Falling*  leaves ;  bring  the  hands  (fingers 
down)  toward  the  ground  and  undulate  them  near  the  ground ;  then 
with  the  right  hand  indicate  the  depth  and  level  of  the  snow ;  pro 
nounce  the  name  of  snow,  Occone.  (OjibicalY.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Cold,  and  then  for  Snow.  (Dakota!.)  "Cold 
weather — the  season  of  snow." 

Shake  the  upright  nearly  closed  hands  back  and  forth  several  times 
in  front  of  the  shoulders  as  if  shivering,  palms  inward;  then  suspend 
the  hands  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  shoulders,  backs  forward,  fingers 
separated  and  bent  a  little,  and  pointing  downward,  and  move  all  the 
fingers  as  if  shaking  something  from  them,  or  approximate  and  separate 
the  ends  once  or  several  times,  and  while  doing  so,  each  time  throw  the 
hands  downward  about  eight  inches.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Cold  and  snow." 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain,  Deep,  and  Cold.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Rain  with  both  hands,  then  pass  the  hands  with 
palms  down  horizontally  to  the  right  and  left  before  the  lower  part  of  the 
body.  (Dakota  VI ;  Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.)  "  Precipitation  and  depth." 

Both  hands  in  position  (A)  tremble  before  the  breast.  This  being 
enacted,  the  hands. of  the  subject  are  extended,  the  arms  likewise  on  a 
level  with  shoulders  pointing  to  the  horizon,  both  hands  now  describe 
the  arc  subtending  the  quadrant  of  the  horizon  until  they  meet  over  the 
head.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  When  cold  days  spread  over  us." 

Same  sign  as  for  Cold.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Bring  both  fists  together  in  front  of  the  breast  as  if  drawing  together 
the  edges  of  a  blanket.  (Apache  I.) 


287 

Wise. 

Eaise  the  right  hand  and  fingers,  gently  tap  the  forehead  over  the 
right  eye,  and  pass  backward  alongside  of  head  with  three  or  four  taps 
of  fingers  on  head.  (Ojibica  IV.)  "  Probably  intimating  a  level  head." 

Touch  the  forehead  with  the  right  index  and  then  make  the  sign  for 
Big*  directly  in  front  of  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Big  brain." 

Touch  the  side  of  the  head  with  the  flat  right  hand,  then  elevate  the 
hand  toward  the  sky.  ( Wyandot  I.)  "  Superior  in  intelligence." 

Tap  the  forehead  with  the  index,  and  make  the  sign  for  Speak. 

(Apache  1.) 

Wi§h;  desire  of*  possession. 

Hook  the  forefinger  over  the  nose.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand,  with  thumb  and  forefinger  extended,  is  brought  upward 
in  front  of  the  body,  with  the  back  of  the  hand  outward,  thumb  and 
forefinger  pointing  toward  the  left,  to  the  level  of  the  breast,  when  the 
hand  is  quickly  thrown  upward,  outward,  and  then  slightly  downward, 
i.  e.,  on  a  curve,  so  that  the  hand  is  horizontal  with  the  palm  upward. 
(Dakota  I.)  "I  like  it,  wish  it." 

Wolf.     (Compare  Dog*.) 
Same  sign  as  for  Dog*.     (Oto  I.) 

|  |Place  the  right  hand,  fingers  joined  and  extended,  above  the  mouth, 
pointing  downward  and  forward.     ( Ute  I.)     "  Long  nose." 

Woman.    (Compare  Female.) 

The  finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  partly  open,  and  placed  as  if 
laying  hold  of  the  breast.  (Dunbar.) 

The  hands  are  passed  from  the  top  down  each  side  of  the  head,  indi 
cating  the  parting  of  the  hair  on  the  top,  and  its  flowing  down  each  side. 
(Long.) 

Pass  the  palm  of  the  extended  hand  downward  over  the  hair  on  the 
side  of  the  head,  or  downward  over  the  cheeks.  ( Wied.)  Same  as  my 
description,  but  less  precise.  (Matthews.)  The  arms  were  flexed  and 
the  hands,  fist-like,  held  at  either  side  in  the  position  of  the  female 
mammary  glands,  then  sweeps  semicircularly  downward.  There  is  no 
appreciable  similarity  in  this  sign  and  Wied's,  the  conception  and  execu 
tion  of  which  are  wholly  diiferent.  (Boteler.)  "  One  with  prominent 
mamma?,  who  can  bring  forth  young." 

Pass  the  hand  down  both  sides  of  the  head,  as  if  smoothing  or  strok 
ing  the  long  hair.  (Burton.) 


288 
A  finger  directed  toward  the  breast.     (Macgowan.) 

Turn  the  right  hand  about  the  right  ear,  as  if  putting  the  hair  behind 
it.  (Dodge.) 

Draw  the  hand,  the  fingers  separate  and  partially  closed,  palm  toward 
the  cheek,  downward,  as  of  combing  the  hair.  (Arapnho  I.) 

Right-hand  fingers  close  together,  thumb  lying  along  basal  joint  of 
forefinger,  placed  above  the  top  and  side  of  the  head,  bent  and  sud 
denly  brought  down  and  outward  to  the  level  and  right  of  shoulder, 
finger  ends  still  bent  in  toward  the  latter.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "To  express 
shortness  as  compared  with  man." 

Pass  the  palm  once  down  the  face  and  the  whole  body.  (Ojibwa  I.) 
"The  long,  waving  dresses  [sic]  or  the  graceful  contour  of  the  female 
body." 

Hold  the  hands  cup  shaped  over  each  breast.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kicka- 
poo  I.) 

Pass  the  extended  and  flat  right  hand,  back  forward  and  outward, 
from  the  side  of  the  crown  downward  toward  the  shoulder  and  forward. 
(Absaroka  I;  Shoxlioni  and  Banak  I.)  "  Represents  the  long  hair." 

The  right  hand  brought  to  the  top  of  the  head  and  then  carried  out 
side  wise  toward  the  right  and  downward  as  though  drawing  a  comb 
through  the  long  hair  of  a  woman's  head.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Long  hair." 

Right-hand  fingers  extended  and  joined  (as  in  T),  horizontal,  held  on 
the  left  side  of  the  face,  the  fingers  pointing  to  the  rear,  the  thumb 
grasping  and  sliding  downward  to  represent  stroking  the  long  braided 
.  hair  of  a  squaw.     (Dakota  III.) 

With  the  right  hand,  back  forward,  fingers  slightly  flexed  and  joined, 
thumb  close  to  index,  the  little  finger  near  the  head,  make  a  motion  as 
if  brushing  the  hair  behind  the  ear  by  moving  the  hand  backward  and 
downward  through  an  arc  of  about  six  inches.  (Dakota  IV.)  uThe 
women  wear  the  hair  behind  the  ears  and  plaited." 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  of  extended  fingers  resting  near  the 
right  side  of  the  crown,  and  downward  and  to  the  front  of  the  collar 
bone.  (Dakota  VI.)  "  Represents  long  hair." 

The  extended  hands,  palms  backward,  and  pointing  upward  and  in 
ward,  are  held  each  near  the  temple  of  the  same  side.  They  are  then 
swept  simultaneously  downward  a  foot  or  two.  (Mandan  and  Hidatea 
I.)  "  This  is  to  indicate  the  mode  of  dressing  the  hair  most  common 
with  women — a  braid  on  each  side." 


2S9 

Both  hands  are  brought  to  a  position  corresponding  with  female 
mammre.  The  hands  are  loosely  clinched  as  in  type  (F)  and  laid 
loosely  against  chest  on  side  corresponding  with  hand,  although  some 
times  the  arms  are  crossed  and  hands  held  in  above  positions  on  oppo 
site  sides.  IHy  woman  is  expressed  by  tapping  the  left  breast  by 
point  of  right  index-finger  in  addition  to  above.  (Oto  I.)  "A  position 
indicative  of  female  mammae  and  connubial  embrace." 

Pass  the  extended  and  flat  right  hand,  fingers  joined,  from  the  side 
of  the  crown  downward  and  forward  along  the  cheek  to  the  front  of  the 
right  side  of  the  neck,  the  fingers  pointing  downward  at  termination  of 
motion.  Both  hands  are  sometimes  used.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  \\',  Wichita  II.) 

With  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  separated  and  partly 
bent  or  hooked,  pass  from  the  side  of  the  head  toward  the  front  of  the 
shoulder,  gradually  closing  the  hand  in  imitation  of  gathering  and 
smoothing  the  lock  of  hair  on  that  side.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Touch  the  hair  on  the  side  of  the  head  with  the  fingers  of  the  right 
hand,  then  place  the  closed  hand  before  the  pubis,  with  the  back  for 
ward,  index  and  second  fingers  extended  and  separated,  pointing  down 
ward  ;  place  the  thumb  against  the  pulin  so  that  the  tip  protrudes  a  little 
from  the  crotch  thus  formed  by  the  fingers.  (Ute  I.)  "Fourchette, 
glaiis  clitoridis,  and  location  of." 

The  left  fore  and  second  fingers  are  extended  and  separated,  the  re 
maining  fingers  closed;  the  thumb  is  then  placed  against  the  palm  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  tip  is  visible  in  the  crotch  formed  by  the  ex 
tended  fingers;  the  hand  is  then  placed  back  forward  in  this  position  at 
the  crotch.  (Apache  I.)  "  Resemblance  to  the  pudendum  muliebre." 

(I)  Two  fingers  held  downward  (IV  reversed) ;  (2)  sweep  hands  up 
near  legs  and  clasp  them  about  the  waist ;  (3)  sweep  hands  from  shoulder 
to  waist  loosely.  (Apache  III.)  (1)  "  Human  being  (2)  wearing  shirts 
and  (3)  loose  jackets." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Take  hold  of  the  garment  at  the  side  below 
the  hip  and  shake  it  to  denote  the  skirt  of  a  woman's  dress.  (Ballard.) 

Point  the  hand  to  the  rear  side  of  the  head,  because  of  the  combs  the 
women  wear  as  ornaments.  (Larson.) 

Instructed  deaf-mutes  generally  mark  the  line  of  the  bonnet-string 
down  the  check. 

Italian  sign. — Draw  the  hand  down  the  cheek  under  the  chin.  (But 
ler.) 

37 


290 

Old. 

Make  the  sign  for  Woman,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Progres 
sion  with  a  *»iall".  (Dakota  IV.)  "Progression  of  a  woman  with  a 
staff." 

Young,  girl. 

Make  the  sign  for  woman,  hands  held  in  the  same  position,  and 
brought  from  shoulder  downward  and  outward  in  proportion  to  the 
height  of  the  girl.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Take  hold  of  an  imaginary  garment  below  the 
thigh  and  shake  it,  and  place  the  hand  to  the  height  of  a  girl.  (Ballard.) 

Touch  the  right  ear  with  the  finger,  because  of  the  ear-rings  girls 
wear.  (Larson.) 

Wonder.    (Compare  Admiration  and  Surprise.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Surprise.  Surprise  and  wonder  seem  to  go 
hand  in  hand,  but  admiration  and  wonder  do  not  seem  to  be  necessarily 
connected.  (Dakota  I.) 

Place  right  hand  over  mouth,  the  thumb  being  on  the  right  and  the 
fingers  on  the  left  of  the  nose;  then  shrink  back.  (Omaha  I.)  The 
gesture  ot  placing  the  right  hand  before  the  mouth  is  seemingly  invol 
untary  with  us,  and  appears  also  in  the  Egyptian  hieroglyphs. 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Part  the  lips,  raise  the  hand,  and  arch  the 
eyebrows,  each  action  in  a  slow  manner.  (Ballard.) 

Raise  apart  the  arms,  with  the  hands  open.     (Larson.) 

Wood. 

Point  to  a  piece  of  wood  with  right  index  extended.     (Dakota  I.) 

Work,  labor,  etc. 

Tho  right  hand,  with  fingers  extended  and  joined,  back  of  the  hand 
outward,  edge  of  fingers  downward,  is  thrown  from  the  level  of  the 
breast,  forward,  upward,  and  then  downward,  on  a  curve,  so  that  the 
palui  is  brought  upward,  and  then  carried  to  the  right  side  of  the  body, 
level  of  the  face,  where  the  extended  fingers  point  upright,  palm  out 
ward.  (Dakota  I.) 

As  work  is  a  general  term  for  manual  exertion,  the  indefiniteuess  of 
this  sign  can  be  well  understood.  The  arms  and  hands  are  extended 
before  the  body,  the  hands  in  type-position  (A);  the  hands  are  tlu-n 
graspingly  opened  and  shut  as  in  seizing  the  plow-handles;  the  closed 
hands  then  approximate  and  forcibly  strike  as  in  working  at  median 
ical  pursuits.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The exertion  required  in  differ 
ent  kinds  of  labor." 


291 

Hold  both  flat  hands  edgewise  in  front  of  the  body,  thumbs  up,  push 
forward  with  sudden  interruptions,  at  each  movement  drawing  back  the 
fingers  and  throwing  them  forward  at  every  rest.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Coman- 
chelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Make  a  sort  of  mild  grasping  motion  with  both  hands  in  several  di 
rections  downward.  (Apache  III.)  "Suggestive  of  industrial  activity, 
and  supplemented  by  pantomime  of  sewing  or  chopping,  if  not  promptly 
understood." 

Wrap,  To. 

The  left  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  body,  hand  closed,  horizontal, 
back  upward,  and  the  right  hand,  with  fingers  in  position  as  though 
grasping  something,  is  rotated  around  the  stationary  left.  (Dakota  I.) 
"From  the  act  of  wrapping." 

Writing* 

The  act  of  writing  is  imitated  by  the  finger  in  the  palm  of  the  opposite 
hand.  (Long.) 

(1)  Left  hand  held  up  as  if  a  piece  of  paper;  (2)  motion  made  with 
right  hand  as  though  writing.  (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  first  part  of  the  sign  for  Book.     (Dakota  I.) 

Year. 

Give  the  sign  of  Rain  or  Snow.    (Burton.) 

Sign  for  Cold,  and  then  sign  for  Counting — one.  (Dakota  I.) 
"One  winter." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  to  shirt  bosom  and  lower  the  extended 
fingers  to  signify  snow,  then  raise  the  hand  to  denote  the  height  or  depth 
of  the  snow,  and  then  depress  the  hands  to  signify  gone.  (Ballard.) 

Yes.    Affirmation.    It  is  so.    (Compare  Good  and  Truth.) 

The  motion  is  somewhat  like  Truth,  but  the  finger  is  held  rather  more 
upright,  and  is  passed  nearly  straight  forward  from  opposite  the  breast, 
and  when  at  the  end  of  its  course  it  seems  gently  to  strike  something, 
though  with  a  rather  slow  and  not  suddenly  accelerated  motion.  (Long.) 

Wave  the  hands  straight  forward  from  the  face.  (Burton.)  This 
may  be  compared  with  the  forward  nod  common  over  most  of  the  world 
for  assent,  but  that  gesture  is  not  universal,  as  the  New  Zealanders 
elevate  the  head  and  chin,  and  the  Turks  shake  the  head  somewhat  like 
our  negative.  Rev.  H.  B.  B.  Barnum,  Harpoot,  Turkey,  in  a  contribu 
tion  of  signs  received  after  the  foregoing  had  been  printed,  denies  the 
latter  statement,  but  gives  Truth  as  "  gently  bowing,  with  head  in 
clined  to  the  right." 


292 

Another:  Wave  the  hand  from  the  mouth,  extending  the  thumb  from 
the  index  and  closing  the  other  three  fingers.  (Burton.) 

Gesticulate  vertically  downward  and  in  front  of  the  body  with  the  ex 
tended  forefinger  (right  hand  usually),  the  remaining  fingers  and  thumb 
closed,  their  nails  down.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  elevated  to  the  level  and  in  front  of  the  shoulder,  two  first 
fingers  somewhat  extended,  thumb  resting  against  the  middle  finger : 
sudden  motion  in  a  curve  forward  and  downward.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "The 
correspondence  between  this  gesture  and  the  one  for  Sitting*,  seeming 
ly  indicates  that  the  origin  of  the  motion  for  Affirmation  is  in  imita 
tion  of  resting,  or  settling  a  question." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Truth.     (Dakota  I.)     " But  one  tongue." 

Extend  the  right  index,  the  thumb  against  it,  nearly  close  the  other 
fingers,  and  from  a  position  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  breast, 
bend  the  hand  from  the  wrist  downward  until  the  end  of  the  index  has 
passed  about  six  inches  through  an  arc.  Some  at  the  same  time  move 
the  hand  forward  a  little.  (Dakota  IV.)  "A  nod;  the  hand  representing 
the  head  and  the  index  the  nose." 

The  right  hand,  with  the  forefinger  (only)  extended  and  pointing  for 
ward,  is  held  before  and  near  the  chest.  It  is  then  moved  forward  one 
or  two  feet,  usually  with  a  slight  curve  downward.  (Mandan  and  Hi- 
datsa  I.) 

Bend  the  right  arm,  pointing  toward  the  chest  with  the  index-finger. 
Unbend,  throwing  the  hand  up  and  forward.  (Omaha  1.) 

Another :  Close  the  three  fingers,  close  the  thumb  over  them,  extend 
forefinger,  and  then  shake  forward  and  down.  This  is  more  emphatic 
than  the  preceding,  and  signifies,  Yes,  1  know.  (Omaha  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  raised  to  head  with  the  index-finger  in  type-position 
(1 1),  modified  by  being  more  opened.  From  aside  the  head  the  hands 
sweep  in  a  curve  to  the  right  ear  as  of  something  entering  or  hearing 
something ;  the  finger  is  then  more  opened  and  is  carried  direct  to  the 
ground  as  something  emphatic  or  direct.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "'I 
hear,'  emphatically  symbolized." 

The  hand  open,  palm  downward,  at  the  level  of  the  breast,  is  moved 
forward  with  a  quick  downward  motion  from  the  wrist,  imitating  a  bow 
of  the  head.  (Iroquois  I.) 

Throw  the  closed  right  hand,  with  the  index  extended  and  bent,  as 
high  as  the  face,  and  let  it  drop  again  naturally;  but  as  the  hand  reaches 
its  greatest  elevation  the  index  is  fully  extended  and  suddenly  drawn 
in  to  the  palm,  the  gesture  resembling  a  beckoning  from  above  toward 
the  ground.  (Kaiowal;  Comanche  111 ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 


293 

Quick  raotioD  of  the  right  hand  forward  from  the  mouth ;  first  position 
about  six  inches  from  the  mouth  and  final  as  far  again  away.  In  first 
position  the  index-finger  is  extended,  the  others  closed;  in  final,  the 
index  loosely  closed,  thrown  in  that  position  as  the  hand  is  moved  for 
ward,  as  though  hooking  something  with  it;  palm  of  hand  out.  (Sahap- 
tin  I.) 

Another:  Move  right  hand  to  a  position  in  front  of  the  body,  letting 
arm  hang  loosely  at  the  side,  the  thumb  standing  alone,  all  fingers 
hooked  except  forefinger,  which  is  partially  extended  (E  1,  with  fore 
finger  partially  extended,  palm  upward).  The  sign  consists  in  moving 
the  forefinger  from  its  partially  extended  position  to  one  similar  to 
the  others,  as  though  making  a  sly  motion  for  some  one  to  come  to  you. 
This  is  done  once  each  time  the  assent  is  made.  More  emphatic  than 
the  preceding.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "We  are  together,  think  alike." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Indicate  by  nodding  the  head.     (Ballard.) 
Yesterday.    See  Day. 

You. 

The  hand  open,  held  upward  obliquely,  and  pointing  forward.  (Dun- 
bar.) 

Is  expressed  by  simply  pointing  at  the  persons.     (Long.) 

Point  to  or  otherwise  indicate  the  person  designated.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Point  toward  the  person  with  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  right 
hand,  back  upward,  horizontal.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Designating  the  person." 

To. 

With  the  fingers  and  thumb  extended,  lying  closely  side  by  side,  and 
pointing  upward,  palm  toward  individual  addressed,  slowly  move  the 
hand  toward  the  hearer,  the  finger-tips  slightly  in  advance  of  the  wrist, 
as  if  laying  something  against  the  person.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Gomanche  III ; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

0 

Yours. 


The  arm  and  hands  are  folded  on  the  chest  as  in  the  sign  for  JHine ; 
they  are  then  thrown  open  from  the  breast  toward  another,  palms  out 
ward.  (Otoand  Missouri  I.)  "Xot  mine,  your's." 


TRIBAL    SIGNS. 


Absaroka,  Crow. 

The  hands  held  out  each  side,  and  striking  the  air  in  the  manner  of 
flying.  (Long.) 

Imitate  the  flapping  of  the  bird's  wings  with  the  two  hands,  palms 
downward,  brought  close  to  the  shoulder.  (Burton.) 

The  sign  for  these  Indians  is  the  same  as  that  for  Fly,  to.  (Dakota  1.) 
"  Flight  of  the  crow." 

Another:  The  Crow  Indians  simply  place  the  index  upon  the  ridge 
of  the  nose,  but  this  sign  would  be  understood  by  the  Sioux  as  meaning 
Nose.  (Dakota  I.)  u  From  the  Sioux  idea  that  the  heart  is  the  seat  of 
life;  consequently  my  heart  is  I,  is  myself."  (Sic.)  The  placing  of  the 
index  upon  the  ridge  of  the  nose  is  understood  to  signify  personality 
"I,  myself,"  and  uofc  to  be  a  tribal  sign. 

Both  hands  extended,  with  fingers  joined  (W),  held  near  the  shoulders, 
and  flapped  to  represent  the  wings  of  a  crow.  (Dakota  III.) 

At  the  height  of  the  shoulders  and  a  foot  outward  from  them,  move 
the  opened  hands  forward  and  backward  twice  or  three  times  from  the 
wrist,  palms  forward,  fingers  and  thumbs  extended  and  separated  a  lit 
tle;  then  place  the  back  or  the  palm  of  the  upright  opened  right  hand 
against  the  upper  part  of  the  forehead;  or  half  close  the  fingers, 
placing  the  end  of  the  thumb*  against  the  ends  of  the  fore  and  middle 
fingers,  and  then  place  the  back  of  the  hand  against  the  forehead. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "To  imitate  the  flying  of  a  bird,  and  also  indicate  the 
manner  in  which  the  Absaroka  wear  their  hair." 

Place  the  flat  hand  as  high  as  and  in  front  or  to  the  side  of  the  right 
shoulder,  move  it  up  and  down,  the  motion  occurring  at  the  wrist.  For 
more  thorough  representation,  both  hands  are  sometimes  employed. 
(Dakota  V,  VI,  VII ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
"  Bird's  wing." 

Make  with  the  arms  the  motion  of  flapping  wings.    (Kutine  I.) 

294 


295 

The  right  hand,  flattened,  is  held  over  and  in  front  of  the  right 
shoulder,  and  quickly  waved  back  and  forth  a  few  times  as  if  fanning  the 
side  of  the  face.  When  made  for  the  information  of  one  ignorant  of  the 
common  sign,  both  hands  are  used,  and  the  hands  are  moved  outward 
from  the  body,  though  still  near  the  shoulder.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 
"  Wings,  i.  6.,  of  a  crow." 

Arikara.    (Corruptly  abbreviated  Ree.) 

With  the  right  hand  closed,  curve  the  thumb  and  index,  join  their 
tips  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  and  place  to  the  lobe  of  the  ear.  (Absaroka 
I ;  Hidatsa  I.)  "  Big  ear-rings." 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  nearly  to  a  point,  and 
make  a  tattooing  or  dotting  motion  toward  the  upper  portion  of  the 
cheek.  This  is  the  old  sign  and  was  used  by  them  previous  to  the  adop 
tion  of  the  more  modern  one  representing  "corn-eaters.  (Arikara  I.) 

Place  the  back  of  the  closed  right  hand  transversely  before  the  mouth, 
and  rotate  it  forward  and  backward  several  times.  This  gesture  may 
be  accompanied,  as  it  sometimes  is,  by  a  motion  of  the  jaws  as  if  eating,  to 
illustrate  more  fully  the  meaning  of  the  rotation  of  the  fist.  (Kaiowa  I ; 
Comanche  III ;  Wichita  II ;  Apache II.)  "  Corn-eater;  eating  corn  from 
the  cob." 

Signified  by  the  same  motions  with  the  thumbs  and  forefingers  that 
are  used  in  shelling  corn.  The  dwarf  Ree  (Arikara)  corn  is  their  pecul 
iar  possession,  which  their  tradition  says  was  given  to  them  by  God, 
who  led  them  to  the  Missouri  Eiver  and  instructed  them  how  to  plant 
it.  (Rev.  C.  L.  Hall,  in  The  Missionary  Herald,  April,  1880.)  "They 
are  the  corn -shelters." 

Apache.    See  also  Warm  Spring. 

Make  either  of  the  signs  for  Poor,  in  property.  (Kaiowa  I; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  It  is  said  that  when  the  first 
Apache  came  to  the  region  they  now  occupy  he  was  asked  who  or  what 
he  was,  and  not  understanding  the  language  he  merely  made  the  sign 
for  Poor,  which  expressed  his  condition." 

Rub  the  back  of  the  extended  forefinger  from  end  to  end  with  the  ex 
tended  index.  (Comanche  II;  Utel.)  "  Poor,  poverty-stricken." 

Mescalero. 

Same  sign  as  for  Lipan.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  II.) 

Arapalio. 

The  fingers  of  one  hand  touch  the  breast  in  different  parts,  to  indicate 
the  tattooing  of  that  part  in  points.  (Long.) 


296 

Seize  the  nose  with  the  thumb  aud  forefinger..  (The  Prairie  Traveler. 
By  Randolph  B.  Marcy,  captam  United  States  Army,  p.  215.  New 
York,  1859.) 

Kub  the  right  side  of  the  nose  with  the  forefinger:  some  call  this  tribe 
the  "  Smellers,"  and  make  their  sign  consist  of  seizing  the  nose  with 
the  thumb  and  forefinger.  (Burton.) 

Finger  to  side  of  nose.     (Macgowan.) 

Touch  the  left  breast,  thus  implying  what  they  call  themselves,  viz  : 
the  "  Good  Hearts."  (Arapaho  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand,. palm  down,  aud  fingers  extended  ;  then  with  the 
right  hand,  fingers  extended,  palm  inward  and  thumb  up,  make  a  sud 
den  stroke  from  left  to  right  across  the  back  of  the  fingers  of  the  left 
hand,  as  if  cutting  them  off.  (tiac,  Fox,  and  Kiukapoo.) 

Join  the  ends  of  the  fingers  (the  thumb  included)  of  the  right  hand, 
and,  pointing  toward  the  heart  near  the  chest,  throw  the  hand  forward 
and  to  the  right  once,  twice,  or  many  times,  through  an  arc  of  about  six 
inches.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Some  say  they  use  this  sign  because  these  In 
dians  tattoo  their  breasts." 

Kub  the  side  of  the  extended  index  against  the  right  side  of  the  nose. 
(Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II',  Wichita  II.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  tap 
the  tips  upon  the  left  breast  briskly.  (Comanche  II;  Utel.)  "Good- 
hearted."  It  was  stated  by  members  of  the  various  tribes  at  Washington, 
in  1880,  that  this  sign  is  used  to  designate  the  Northern  Arapahos,  while 
that  in  which  the  index  rubs  against,  or  passes  upward  alongside  of 
the  nose,  refers  to  the  Southern  Arapahos,  the  reasons  given  for  which 
will  be  referred  to  in  a  future  paper. 

Another:  Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  only  extended ;  then 
rub  it  up  and  down,  held  vertically,  against  the  side  of  the  nose  where 
it  joins  the  cheek.  (Comanche  II;  Utel.) 

The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  are  brought  to  a  point,  and 
tapped  upon  the  right  side  of  tbe  breast.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  1.) 

Assinaboin. 

Make  the  sign  of  Cutting  the  throat.    (Kutinel.) 

With  the  right  hand  flattened,  form  a  curve  by  passing  it  from  the  top 
of  the  chest  to  the  pubis,  the  fingers  pointing  to  the  left,  and  the  back  for 
ward.  (Shoshoni  and  Bandk  1.)  "  Big  bellies." 


297 

Atsina,  tower  Gros  Ventre. 

Both  hands  closed,  the  tips  of  the  fingers  pointing  toward  the  wrist 
and  resting  upon  the  base  of  the  joint,  the  thumbs  lying  upon  and 
extending  over  the  middle  joint  of  the  forefingers  ;  hold  the  left  before 
the  chest,  pointing  forward,  palm  up,  placing  the  right,  with  palm  down, 
just  back  of  the  left,  and  move  as  if  picking  small  objects  from  the 
left  with  the  tip  of  the  right  thumb.  (Absarolca  I ;  tihoshoniand  Banak 
I.)  "  Corn-shellers." 

Bring  the  extended  and  separated  fingers  and  thumb  loosely  to  a  point, 
flexed  at  the  metacarpal  joints ;  point  them  toward  the  left  clavicle,  and 
imitate  a  dotting  motion  as  if  tattooing  the  skin.  (Kalowa  I ;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  They  used  to  tattoo  themselves,  and 
live  in  the  country  south  of  the  Dakotas." 

Banak. 

Make  a  whistling  sound  "  phew  "  (beginning  at  a  high  note  and  ending 
about  an  octave  lower) ;  then  draw  the  extended  index  across  the  throat 
from  the  left  to  the  right  and  out  to  nearly  at  arm's  length.  They  used 
to  cut  the  throats  of  their  prisoners.  (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Major  Ha  worth  states  that  the  Banaks  make  the  following  sign  for 
themselves  :  Brush  the  flat  right  hand  backward  over  the  forehead  as 
if  forcing  back  the  hair.  This  represents  the  manner  of  wearing  the 
tuft  of  hair  backward  from  the  forehead.  According  to  this  informant, 
the  Shoshoni  use  the  same  sign  for  Banak  as  for  themselves — Snake. 

Blackfeet.     (This  title  is  understood  to  refer  to  the  Algonkin  Black- 
feet,  properly  called  Satsika.) 
The  finger  and  thumb  encircle  the  ankle.     (Long.) 

Pass  the  right  hand,  bent  spoon-fashion,  from  the  heel  to  the  little  toe 
of  the  right  foot.  (Burton.) 

The  palmar  surfaces  of  the  extended  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  Bothers  closed)  are  rubbed  along  the  leg  just  above  the  ankle. 
This  would  not  seem  to  be  clear,  but  these  Indians  do  not  make  any 
sign  indicating  Mack  in  connection  with  the  above.  The  sign  does  not, 
however,  interfere  with  any  other  sign  as  made  by  the  Sioux.  (Dakota 
I.)  "Blackfeet." 

Touch  the  right  foot  with  the  right  hand.     (Kutine  I.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  thumb  resting  over  the  second  joint  of  the  fore 
finger,  palm  toward  the  face,  and  rotate  over  the  cheek,  though  an  inch 
or  two  from  it.     (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)     "From  manner  of  painting 
the  cheeks." 
38 


298 

Caddo.    (Compare  Wez  Perce*.) 

Pass  the  horizontally  extended  index  from  right  to  left  under  the  nose. 
(Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  '  Pierced  noses,' 
from  former  custom  of  wearing  rings  in  the  septum." 

Calispel.    See  Pend  d'Oreille. 

Cheyenne. 

Draw  the  hand  across  the  arm,  to  imitate  cutting  it  with  a  knife. 
(Marcy,  Prairie  Traveller,  loc.  ctfc.,  p.  215.) 

Draw  the  lower  edge  of  the  right  hand  across  the  left  arm  as  if 
gashing  it  with  a  knife.  (Burton.) 

With  the  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  proceed  as  if  cutting  the  left 
arm  in  different  places  with  a  sawing  motion  from  the  wrist  upward,  to 
represent  the  cuts  or  burns  on  the  arms  of  that  nation.  (Long.) 

Bridge  palm  of  left  hand  with  index-finger  of  right.     (Macgowan.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand,  fingers  joined,  across  the  left  wrist  as 
if  cutting  it.  (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  extended  index  at  the  right  side  of  the  nose,  where  it  joins 
the  face,  the  tip  reaching  as  high  as  the  forehead,  and  close  to  the  inner 
corner  of  the  eye.  This  position  makes  the  thumb  of  the  right  hand  rest 
upon  the  chin,  while  the  index  is  perpendicular.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kicka- 
poo  I.)  It  is  considered  that  this  sign,  though  given  to  the  collaborator 
as  expressed,  was  an  error.  It  applies  to  the  Southern  Arapahos. 

As  though  sawing  through  the  left  forearm  at  its  middle,  with  the 
edge  of  the  right  held  back  outward,  thumb  upward.  Sign  made  at  the 
left  side  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  «  Same  sign  as  for  a  Saw.  The 
Cheyenne  Indians  are  known  to  the  Sioux  by  the  name  of  'The  Saws.'" 

Right-hand  fingers  and  thumb  extended  and  joined  (as  in  S),  outer 
edge  downward,  and  drawn  sharply  across  the  other  fingers  and  fore 
arm  as  if  cutting  with  a  knife.  (Dakota  III.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  index  or  the  ulnar  (inner)  edge  of  the  opened 
right  hand  several  times  across  the  base  of  the  extended  left  index,  or 
across  the  left  forearm  at  different  heights  from  left  to  right.  (Dakota 
IV.)  "  Because  their  arms  are  marked  with  scars  from  cuts  which  they 
make  as  offerings  to  spirits." 

Draw  the  extended  index  several  times  across  the  exteuded  forefinger 
from  the  tip  toward  the  palm,  the  latter  pointing  forward  and  slightly 
toward  the  right.  From  the  custom  of  striping  arms  transversely  with 
colors.  (Kaioica  I ;  Comanche  II,  III ;  Apache  II ;  Ute  I ;  Wichita  II.) 


299 

Another:  Make  the  sign  for  Dog1  and  that  for  To  Eat.  This  sign 
is  generally  used,  but  the  other  and  more  common  one  is  also  employed, 
especially  so  with  individuals  not  fully  conversant  with  the  sign -lan 
guage  as  employed  by  the  Comanches,  &c.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanchelll; 
Apache  II;  Wichita II.)  "Dog-eaters." 

Draw  the  extended  index  across  the  back  of  the  left  hand  and  arm  as 
if  cutting  it.  The  index  does  not  touch  the  arm  as  in  signs  given  for 
the  same  tribe  by  other  Indians,  but  is  held  at  least  four  or  five  inches 
from  it.  (Shoshoni  and  BanaJc  I.) 

Chippeway.    See  Ojibwa. 

Coiiianche. 

Imitate,  by  the  waving  of  the  hand  or  forefinger,  the  forward  crawling 
motion  of  a  snake.  (Burton,  also  Blackmore  in  introduction  to  Dodge's 
Plains  of  the  Great  West,  p.  xxv.  New  York,  1877.)  The  same  sign  is 
used  for  the  Shoshoui,  more  commonly  called  "Snake"  Indians,  who  as 
well  as  the  Comauche  belong  to  the  Numa  linguistic  family.  "The 
silent  stealth  of  the  tribe."  (Thirty  Years  of  Army  Life  on  the  Border- 
By  Col.  E.  B.  Marcy,  p.  33.  New  York,  1866.)  But  see  Shoshoni 
for  distinction  between  the  signs. 

Motion  of  a  snake.     (Macgowan.) 

Hold  the  elbow  of  the  right  arm  near  the  right  side,  but  not  touching 
it;  extend  the  forearm  and  hand,  palm  inward,  fingers  joined  on  a  level 
with  the  elbow,  then  with  a  shoulder  movement  draw  that  forearm  and 
hand  back  until  the  points  of  the  fingers  are  behind  the  body;  at  the 
same  time  that  the  hand  is  thus  being  moved  back,  turn  it  right  and 
left  several  times.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "Snake  in  the  grass. 
A  snake  drawing  itself  back  in  the  grass  instead  of  crossing  the  road  in 
front  of  you." 

Another :  The  sign  by,  and  for  the  Comanches  themselves  is  made 
by  holding  both  hands  and  arms  upward  from  the  elbow,  both  palms 
inward,  and  passing  both  hands  with  their  backs  upward  along  the 
lower  end  of  the  hair  to  indicate  long  hair,  as  they  never  cut  it.  (Sac, 
Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 

Eight  hand  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  (W),  advanced  to  the 
front  by  a  motion  to  represent  the  crawling  of  a  snake.  (Dakota  III.) 

Extend  the  closed  right  hand  to  the  front  and  left;  extend  the  index, 
palm  down,  and  rotate  from  side  to  side  while  drawing  it  back  to  the 
right  hip.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Make  the  reverse  gesture  for  Shoshoni,  i.  e.,  begin  away  from  the 
body,  drawing  the  hand  back  to  the  side  of  the  right  hip  while  rotating 
it.  (Comanche  II.) 


300 

Cree.    Knisleiio.    Kristeneaux. 

Sign  for  \V:ii;oii  and  then  the  sign  for  Man.  (Dakota  I.)  "This 
indicates  the  Red  River  half- breeds,  with  their  carts,  as  these  people  art- 
so  known  from  their  habit  of  traveling  with  carts." 

Dakota.    Sioux. 

The  edge  of  the  hand  passed  across  the  throat,  as  in  the  act  of  cutting 
that  part.  (Long ;  Marcy,  Army  Life,  toe.  cit.,  p.  33.) 

Draw  the  lower  edge  of  the  hand  across  the  throat.     (Burton.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand  across  the  throat.  (Arapaho  I.)  "  The 
cut-throats." 

Draw  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  from  right  to  left  across  the 
throat.  (Sue,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "A  cut  throat." 

Forefinger  and  thumb  of  right  hand  extended  (others  closed)  is  drawn 
from  left  to  right  across  the  throat  as  though  cutting  it.  The  Dakotas 
have  been  named  the  "cut-throats"  by  some  of  the  surrounding  tribes 
(Dakota  I.)  "  Cut-throats." 

Right  hand  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  (as  in  W),  and  drawn 
across  the  throat  as  if  cutting  with  a  knife.  (Dakota  III.) 

Draw  the  opened  right  hand,  or  the  right  index,  from  left  to  right 
horizontally  across  the  throat,  back  of  hand  upward,  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  It  is  said  that  after  a  battle  the  Utes 
took  many  Sioux  prisoners  and  cut  their  throats ;  hence  the  sign  "cut 
throats." 

Pass  the  flat  hand,  with  the  palm  down,  from  left  to  right  across  the 
throat.  (Dakota  VI.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand,  palm  downward,  across  the  throat 
from  left  to  right.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  II,  III;  Shoshoni  and  Banak 
I;  Ute  I;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Out-throats." 

Blackfoot  (Sihasapa). 

Pass  the  right  hand  quickly  over  the  right  foot  from  the  great  toe 
outward,  turn  the  heel  as  if  brushing  something  therefrom.  (Dakota  V.) 

Pass  the  widely  separated  thumb  and  index  of  the  right  hand  over  the 
lower  leg,  from  just  below  the  knee  nearly  down  to  the  heel.  (Kaioira 
I;  Comanche  III ;  Apacliell;  Wwhita  II.) 


301 
-  Brute. 

Bub  the  upper  and  outer  part  of  the  right  thigh  in  a  small  circle  with 
the  opened  right  hand,  fingers  pointing  dowmvard.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  These  Indians,  it  is  said,  were  once  caught  in  a  prairie  fire,  many 
burned  to  death,  and  others  badly  burned  about  the  thighs.  Hence 
the  name  Si-cau-gu  (burnt  thigh)  and  the  sign." 

Brush  the  palm  of  the  right  hand  over  the  right  thigh,  from  near  the 
buttock  toward  the  front  of  the  middle  third  of  the  thigh.  (Kuiowa  I ; 
(Jomanclie  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Ogalala. 

Fingers  and  thumb  separated,  straight  (as  in  R),  and  dotted  about 
over  the  face  to  represent  the  marks  made  by  the  small-pox.  (Dakota 
III.)  "  This  band  suffered  from  the  disease  many  years  ago." 

With  the  thumb  over  the  ends  of  the  fingers,  hold  the  right  hand 
upright,  its  back  forward,  about  six  inches  in  front  of  the  face,  or  on 
one  side  of  the  nose  near  the  face,  and  suddenly  extend  and  spread  all 
the  fingers  (thumb  included).  (Dakota  IV.)  ''The  word  Ogalala  means 
scattering  or  throwing  at.  and  the  name  was  given  them,  it  is  said,  after 
a  row  in  which  they  threw  ashes  into  each  other's  faces." 

Flathead,  or  Selish. 

One  hand  placed  on  the  top  of  the  head,  and  the  other  on  the  back  of 
the  head.  (Long.} 

Place  the  right  hand  to  the  top  of  the  head.     (Kutine  I.) 

Pat  the  right  side  of  the  head  above  and  back  of  the  ear  with  the  flat 
right  hand.  (Slioslioni  and  Banak  I.)  From  the  elongation  of  the 
occiput. 

Fox,  or  Outagnmi. 

Same  sign  as  for  Sac.     (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 

Gros  Ventre.    See  Hidatsa. 

Hidat§a,  Gros  Ventre  or  JHinitari. 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  palms  toward  the  body,  with  the  tips 
of  the  fingers  pointing  toward  one  another;  pass  from  the  top  of  the 
chest  downward,  outward,  and  inward  toward  the  groin.  (Absaroka  I; 
Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)  "  Big  belly." 

Left  and  right  hands  in  front  of  breast,  left  placed  in  position  first, 
separated  about  four  or  five  inches,  left  hand  outside  of  the  right,  hori 
zontal,  backs  outward,  fingers  extended  and  pointing  left  and  right ; 
strike  the  back  of  the  right  against  the  palm  of  the  left  several  times, 
and  then  make  the  sign  for  Go,  Going*.  (Dakota  I.)  "The  Gros 


302 

Ventre  Indians,  Minnetarees  (the  Hidatsa  Indians  of  Matthews),  are 
known  to  the  Sioux  as  the  Indians  who  went  to  the  mountains  to  kill 
their  enemies ;  hence  the  sign." 

Express  with  the  hand  the  sign  of  a  big  belly.     (Dakota  III.) 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand,  back  forward,  from  the  top  of  the  breast,  down 
ward,  outward,  and  inward  to  the  pubis.  (Dakota  VI ;  Hidatsa  I ; 
Arikara  I.)  "  Big  belly." 

Indian  (generically). 

Rub  the  back  of  the  extended  left  hand  with  the  palmar  surfaces  of 
the  extended  fingers  of  the  right.  (Comanche  II.)  u  People  of  the  same 
kind;  dark -skinned." 

Rub  the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  index  of  the  right.     (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Kub  the  back  of  the  left  hand  lightly  with  the  index  of  the  right. 
( Wichita  I.) 

Kaiowa. 

Make  the  signs  of  the  Prairie  and  of  Drinking1  TVater. 

(Burton;  Blackmore  in  Dodge's  Plains  of  the  Great  West,  xxiv.  Xew 
York,  1877.) 

Right-hand  fingers  and  thumb  extended  and  joined  (as  in  W),  placed 
in  front  of  right  shoulder,  and  revolving  loosely  at  the  wrist.  (Dakota 
III.) 

Place  the  flat  hand  with  extended  and  separated  fingers  before  the 
face,  pointing  forward  and  upward,  the  wrist  near  the  chin ;  pass  it 
upward  and  forward  several  times.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  right  hand  a  short  distance  above  the  right  side  of  the  head, 
fingers  and  thumb  separated  and  extended ;  shake  it  rapidly  from  side 
to  side,  giving  it  a  slight  rotary  motion  in  doing  so.  (Comanche  II.) 
"  Rattle-brained." 

Same  sign  as  (Comanche  II),  with  the  exception  that  both  hands  are 
generally  used  instead  of  the  right  one  only.  ( Ute  I.) 

Kickapoo. 

With  the  thumb  and  finger  go  through  the  motion  of  clipping  the 
hair  over  the  ear ;  then  with  the  hand  make  a  sign  that  the  borders  of 
the  leggius  are  wide.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 

Knisteno,  or  Cree. 

Place  the  first  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the 
mouth.  (Kutine  I.) 


303 

Kutine. 

Place  the  index  or  second  finger  of  the  right  hand  on  each  side  of  the 
left  index-finger  to  imitate  riding  a  horse.  (Kutine  1.) 

Hold  the  left  fist,  palm  upward,  at  arm's  length  before  the  body,  the 
right  as  if  grasping  the  bowstring  and  drawn  back.  (Shoshoni  and 
BanaJc  I.)  "  From  their  peculiar  manner  of  holding  the  long  bow  hori 
zontally  in  shooting." 

Lipan. 

With  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  extended  and  separated,  hold 
the  hand  at  arm's  length  to  the  front  of  the  left  side;  draw  it  back  in 
distinct  jerks;  each  time  the  hand  rests  draw  the  fingers  back  against 
the  inside  of  the  thumb,  and  when  the  hand  is  again  started  on  the  next 
movement  backward  snap  the  fingers  to  full  length.  This  is  repeated 
five  or  six  times  during  the  one  movement  of  the  hand.  The  country 
which  the  Lipans  at  one  time  occupied  contained  large  ponds  or  lakes, 
and  along  the  shores  of  these  the  reptile  was  found  which  gave  them 
this  characteristic  appellation.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  IL)  "Frogs." 

jVIandaii. 

The  first  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended,  separated 
backs  outward  (other  fingers  and  thumb  closed),  are  drawn  from  the 
left  shoulder  obliquely  downward  in  front  of  the  body  to  the  right  hip, 
(Dakota  I.)  "The  Mandan  Indians  are  known  to  the  Sioux  as  'The 
people  who  wear  a  scarlet  sash,  with  a  train,'  in  the  manner  above  de 
scribed." 

Mexican.    See  VOCABULARY. 
VI  i  11  if  a  ri.     See  Hidatsa. 

I¥egro.    See  VOCABULARY. 

Since  the  VOCABULARY  was  printed  the  following  has  been  received 
from  Arapaho  and  Cheyenne  Indians  in  Washington,  as  the  sign  for 
I¥egT»  as  well  as  for  Ute.  Rub  the  back  of  the  extended  flat  left  hand 
with  the  extended  fingers  of  the  right,  then  touch  some  black  object. 
Represents  black  skin.  Although  the  same  sign  is  generally  used  to 
signify  Ufegro,  an  addition  is  sometimes  made  as  follows  :  place  the 
index  and  second  fingers  to  the  hair  on  the  right  side  of  the  head,  and 
rub  them  against  each  other  to  signify  Curly  hair.  This  addition  is 
only  made  when  the  connection  would  cause  a  confusion  between  the 
"black  skin"  Indian  (Ute)  and  negro. 


Perec's.    See  Sahaptin. 

Place  the  thumb  and  forefinger  to  the  nostrils.     (Kutine  I.) 


304 

Ojibwa,  or  Chippewa. 

liight  hand  horizontal,  back  outward,  fingers  separated,  arched,  tips 
pointing  inward,  is  moved  from  right  to  left  breast  and  generally  over 
the  front  of  the  body  with  a  trembling  motion  and  at  the  same  time  a 
slight  outward  or  forward  movement  of  the  hand  as  though  drawing 
something  out  of  the  body,  and  then  make  the  sign  tor  Ulail.  (  Dakota  I.) 
"  Perhaps  the  first  Chippewa  Indian  seen  by  a  Sionx  had  an  eruption  on 
his  body,  and  from  that  his  people  were  given  the  name  of  the  'People 
with  a  breaking-oat,'  by  which  name  the  Chippewas  have  ever  been 
known  by  the  Sioux." 

Osage,  or  Wasaji. 

Pull  at  the  eyebrows  over  the  left  eye  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger 
of  the  left  hand.     This  sign  is  also  used  by  the  Usages  themselves. 
Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 


Hold  the  fiat  right  hand,  back  forward,  with  the  edge  pointing  back 
ward,  against  the  side  of  the  head,  then  make  repeated  cuts,  and  the 
hand  is  moved  backward  toward  the  occiput.  (Kaioica  1;  Conutnehe 
III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "  Former  custom  of  shaving  the  hair  from 
the  sides  of  the  head,  leaving  but  an  occipito-frontal  ridge." 

Pass  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand  backward  over  the  right  side 
of  the  head,  moving  the  index  against  the  second  finger  in  imitation  of 
cutting  with  a  pair  of  scissors.  (Comanche  II.)  "Represents  the  man 
ner  of  removing  the  hair  from  the  sides  of  the  head,  leaving  a  ridge 
only  from  the  forehead  to  the  occiput." 

Oiitagami.    See  Fox. 

Pai-Ute*,  Head  Chief  of  the. 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  the  right  hand,  palm  backward;  pass  the 
hand  upward  about  six  inches,  and  hold  it  in  that  position  a  moment. 
(Pai-Ute  I.)  "Big  chief." 

Pai-Ute  band,  Chief  ot*  a. 

Make  the  gesture  as  for  Pai-Ute,  Head  Chief,  but  instead  of 
holding  the  hand  above  the  head  lay  it  down  over  the  right  temple, 
resting  it  there  a  moment.  (Pui-rte  I.)  "  Little  chief." 

Pa  iii  (Pawnee). 

Imitate  a  wolf's  ears  with  the  two  forefingers  of  the  right  hand  ex 
tended  together,  upright,  on  the  left  side  of  the  head.  (Burton.) 

Place  a  hand  on  each  side  of  the  forehead,  with  two  fingers  pointing 
to  the  front  to  represent  the  narrow,  sharp  ears  of  the  wolf.  (Marcy, 
Prairie  Traveler,  loc.  cit.,  p.  215.) 

First  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand,  straight  upward  and  separated-, 
remaining  fingers  and  thumb  closed  (as  in  IV),  like  the  ears  of  a  small 
wolf.  (Dakota  III.) 


305 

Place  the  closed  right  to  the  side  of  the  temple,  palm  forward,  leaving 
the  index  and  second  fingers  extended  and  slightly  separated,  pointing 
upward.  This  is  ordinarily  used,  though,  to  be  more  explicit,  both  hands 
may  be  used.  (Kaiowal;  Comanchelll;  Utel;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

Extend  the  index  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  upward  from 
the  right  side  of  the  head.  (Comanche  II.) 

Fend  d'Oreille,  or  Calispel. 

Make  the  motion  of  paddling  a  canoe.     (Kutine  I.) 

Both  fists  are  held  as  if  grasping  a  paddle  vertically  downward  and 
working  a  canoe.  Two  strokes  are  made  on  each  side  of  the  body  from 
the  side  backward.  (Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Pueblo. 

Place  the  clinched  hand  back  of  the  occiput  as  if  grasping  the  queue, 
then  place  both  fists  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder,  rotating  them  slightly 
to  represent  a  loose  mass  of  an  imaginary  substance.  Represents  the 
large  mass  of  hair  tied  back  of  the  head.  This  sign  has  been  obtained 
from  Arapaho  and  Cheyenne  Indians  while  this  paper  was  passing 
through  the  press. 

Sac,  or  Saiiki. 

Pass  the  extended  patm  of  the  right  hand  over  the  right  side  of  the 
head  from  front  to  back,  and  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  in  the  same 
manner  over  the  left  side  of  the  head.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 
"Shaved-headed  Indians." 

* 

Sahaptin,  or  I¥ez  Perec's. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  straight  but  flexed  at  right 
angles  with  the  palm;  pass  it  horizontally  to  the  left  by  and  under  the 
nose.  This  sign  is  made  by  the  Nez  Perces  for  themselves,  according 
to  Major  Haworth.  While  this  paper  has  been  passing  through  the 
-press  information  has  been  received  from  Arapaho  and  Cheyenne  In 
dians,  now  in  Washington,  that  this  sign  is  also  used  to  designate  the 
Caddos,  who  practiced  the  same  custom  of  perforating  the  nasal  septum. 
The  same  informants  also  state  that  the  Shawnees  are  sometimes  indi 
cated  by  the  same  sign.  (Comanche  II.)  "  Pierced  nose." 

Pass  the  extended  index,  pointing  toward  the  left,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  closed,  in  front  of  and  across  the  upper  lip,  just  below  the 
nose.  The  second  finger  is  also  sometimes  extended.  (Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  From  the  custom  of  piercing  the  noses  for  the  reception  of 
ornaments."  The  Sahaptin,  however,  have  not  had  that  custom  since 
being  known  to  themselves. 

Satsika.    See  Blackfeet. 

Selish.    See  Flathcad. 

39 


306 
Shawiiee.    See  I¥ez  Percys. 

Slioshoiii,  or  Snake.    (Compare  €oiuaiiche.) 

The  forefinger  is  extended  horizontally  and  passed  along  forward  in 
a  serpentine  line.  (Lony.} 

Right  hand  closed,  palm  down,  placed  in  front  of  the  right  hip ;  ex 
tend  the  index  and  push  it  diagonally  toward  the  left  front,  rotating  it 
quickly  from  side  to  side  in  doing  so.  (Absaroka  I;  fchoshoni  and  Banak 
I.)  "Snake." 

Right  hand,  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  (W)>  advanced  to  the 
front  by  a  motion  to  represent  the  crawling  of  a  snake.  (Dakota  III. 

With  the  right  index  pointing  forward,  the  hand  is  to  be  moved  for) 
ward  about  a  foot  in  a  sinuous  manner,  to  imitate  the  crawling  of  a 
snake.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Make  the  motion  of  a  serpent  with  the  right  finger.     (Kutine  I.) 

Place  the  closed  right  hand,  palm  down,  in  front  of  the  right  hip: 
extend  the  index,  and  move  forward  and  toward  the  left,  rotating  the 
hand  and  finger  from  side  to  side  in  doing  so.  (Kaiowa  L;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  closed  right  hand,  palm  down,  in  front  of  the  right  hip ; 
extend  the  index,  move  it  forward  and  toward  the  left,  rotating  the 
hand  and  index  in  doing  so.  (Comanche  II.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  only  extended  and  pointing 
forward,  palm  to  the  left,  then  move  it  forward  and  to  the  left.  The 
rotary  motion  of  the  hand  does  not  occur  in  this,  as  in  the  same  sign  given 
by  other  tribes  for  Slioshoiii  or  Snake.  (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Sheepeater.     (Tukuarikai.) 

Both  hands,  half  closed,  pass  from  the  top  of  the  ears  backward,  down 
ward,  and  forward,  in  a  curve,  to  represent  a  ram's  horns ;  then,  with  the 
index  only  extended  and  curved,  place  the  hand  above  and  in  front  of 
the  mouth,  back  toward  the  face,  and  pass  it  downward  and  backward 
several  times.    (Shoxhoni  and  Banak  I.)     "  Sheep,"  and  "to  eat." 

lite. 

"They  who  live  on  mountains"  have  a  complicated  sign  which  denotes, 
"living  in  mountains"  and  is  composed  of  the  signs  Sit  and  VI  on  lit 
ain.    (Burton.) 

Left  hand  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward,  and  with  the  fingers  of 
the  right  hand  brush  the  other  toward  the  wrist.  (Dakota  III.) 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  left  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow  before 
the  body,  pointing  to  the  front  and  right,  palm  toward  the  ground;  then 


307 

pass  the  palmar  surface  of  the  flat  and  extended  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  over  the  back  of  the  left  from  near  the  wrist  toward  the  tips  of 
the  fingers.  (Kaiowal;  Gomanchelll;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Those 
who  use  sinew  for  sewing,  and  for  strengthening  the  bow." 

Indicate  the  color  Black,  then  separate  the  thumbs  and  forefingers 
of  both  hands  as  far  as  possible,  leaving  the  remaining  fingers  closed, 
and  pass  upward  over  the  lower  part  of  the  legs.  (Shoshoni  and  BanaTc 
I.)  "  Black  or  dark  leggings." 

Warm  Spring  Apache. 

Hand  curved  (Y,  more  flexed)  and  laid  on  its  back  on  top  of  the  foot 
(moccasins  much  curved  up  at  toe) ;  then  draw  hands  up  legs  to  near 
knee,  and  cut  off  with  edges  of  hands  (boot  tops).  (Apaclie  III.)  "  Those 
who  wear  booted  moccasins  with  turn-up  toes." 

Wasija.    See  Osage. 

White  man  ;  American.    See  VOCABULARY. 

Wichita. 

Indicate  a  circle  over  the  upper  portion  of  the  right  cheek,  with  the 
index  or  several  fingers  of  the  right  hand.  The  statement  of  the  Indian 
authorities  for  the  above  is  that  years  ago  the  Wichita  women  painted 
spiral  lines  on  the  breasts,  starting  at  the  nipple  and  extending  several 
inches  from  it ;  but  after  an  increase  in  modesty  or  a  change  in  the  upper 
garment,  by  which  the  breast  ceased  to  be  exposed,  the  cheek  has  been 
adopted  as  the  locality  for  the  sign.  (Kalowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.) 

Wyanclot. 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  from  the  top  of  the  forehead  backward  over 
the  head  and  downward  and  backward  as  far  as  the  length  of  the  arm. 
( Wyandot  I.)  "  From  the  manner  of  wearing  the  hair." 


PROPER  NAMES,   PHRASES, 
DIALOGUES,  ETC. 


PROPER  NAMES. 

President  of  the  United   States;    Secretary  of*  the  In 
terior. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  thumb  and  index  fully  extended 
and  separated;  place  the  index  over  the  forehead  so  that  the  thumb 
points  to  the  right,  palm  toward  the  face;  then  draw  the  index  across 
the  forehead  toward  the  right;  then  elevate  the  extended  index,  point 
ing  upward  before  the  shoulder  or  neck;  pass  it  upward  as  high  as 
the  top  of  the  head ;  make  a  short  turn  toward  the  front  and  pass  it 
pointing  downward  toward  the  ground,  to  a  point  farther  to  the  front 
and  a  littlelower  than  at  the  beginning.  (Absaroka  I ;  Dakota  VI,  VII ; 
ShoKltoiti  and  Banak  I;  lite  I;  Apache  I.)  "White  [man]  chief." 

Make  the  same  signs  for  White  111:111  and  Chief,  and  conclude 
by  making  that  for  Parent  by  collecting  the  fingers  and  thumb  of 
the  right  hand  nearly  to  a  point  and  drawing  them  forward  from  the 
left  breast.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "White 
man;  chief;  father." 

Washington,  City  of. 

The  sign  for  <*<» ;  the  sign  for  House  or  Wigwam  ;  the  sign  for 
Cars,  and  the  sign  for  Couneil.  The  sign  for  Father  is  briefly 
executed  by  passing  the  open  hand  down  and  from  the  loins,  then  bring 
ing  it  erect  before  the  body  ;  then  the  sign  for  Cars,  combined  of  Go 
and  Wagon,  making  with  the  mouth  the  noise  of  an  engine ;  the 
hands  then  raised  before  the  eyes  and  approximated  at  points,  as  in  the 
sign  for  House;  then  diverge  to  indicate  Extensive;  this  being 
followed  by  the  sign  for  Couneil.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  home 
of  our  fathers,  where  we  go  on  the  puffing  wagon  to  council." 

Missouri  River. 

Make  the  sign  for  Water  and  the  sign  for  Large,  and  then  rapidly 
rotate  the  right  hand  from  right  to  left  several  times,  its  back  upward, 
fingers  spread  and  pointing  forward  to  show  that  it  is  stirred  up  or  muddy. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

308 


309 

Eagle  Bull  (a  Dakota  chief). 

Place  the  clinched  fists  to  either  side  of  the  head ;  then  extend  the 
left  hand,  flat,  palm  down,  before  the  left  side,  fingers  pointing  forward  ; 
the  outer  edge  of  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand  is  then  laid  trans 
versely  across  the  back  of  the  left  hand,  and  slid  forward  over  the  fingers. 
(Dakota  VI;  Arikara  I.)  "Bull  and  eagle— ' Haliaetus  leucoceplialus, 
(Linn.}  SavS" 

Rushing  Bear  (a  Dakota  chief). 

Place  the  right  fist  iu  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  breast,  palm  down  ; 
extend  and  curve  the  thumb  and  little  finger  so  that  their  tips  point 
toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles  of  the  remaining  closed  fingers, 
then  reach  forward  a  short  distance  and  pull  toward  the  body  several 
times  rather  quickly;  suddenly  push  the  fist,  in  this  form,  forward  to 
arm's  length  twice.  ( Dakota -VI ;  Arilcaral.)  "  Bear  and  rushing." 

Spotted  Tail  (a  Dakota  chief). 

With  the  index  only  of  the  right  hand  extended,  indicate  a  line  or 
curve  from  the  sacrum  (or  from  the  right  buttock)  downward,  backward, 
and  outward  toward  the  left;  then  extend  the  left  forefinger,  pointing 
forward  from  the  left  side,  and  with  the  extended  index  draw  imaginary 
lines  transversely  across  the  left  forefinger.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  I ; 
Dakota VI,  VII;  Arikaral.)  "Tail;  spotted." 

Stumbling  Bear  (a  Kaiowa  chief). 

Place  the  right  fist  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  breast,  palm  down; 
extend  and  curve  the  thumb  and  little  finger  so  that  their  tips  point 
toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles  of  the  remaining  closed  fingers ; 
then  place  the  left  flat  hand  edgewise  before  the  breast,  pointing  to  the 
right ;  hold  the  right  hand  flat  pointing  down  nearer  the  body ;  move 
it  forward  toward  the  left,  so  that  the  right-hand  fingers  strike  the  left 
palm  and  fall  downward  beyond  the  left.  (Kaiowa  I.)  "Bear;  stumble 
or  stumbling." 

Swift  Runner  (a  Dakota  Indian). 

Place  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  right  side,  palm  down ;  close  all 
the  fingers  excepting  the  index,  which  is  slightly  curved,  pointing  for 
ward  ;  then  push  the  hand  forward  to  arm's  length  twice,  very  quickly. 
(Dakota  VI;  Arikara  I.)  "  Man  running  rapidly  or  swiftly." 

Wild  Horse  (a  Comanche  chief). 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  astraddle  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  With 
the  right  hand  loosely  extended,  held  as  nigh  as  and  nearly  at  arm's 
length  before  the  shoulder,  make  several  cuts  downward  and  toward  the 
left.  (Comanche  III.)  "  Prairie  or  wild  horse." 


310 


PHRASES. 

Where  is  your  mother  .' 

After  placing  tlie  index  into  the  month  (mother),  point  the  index  at 
the  individual  addressed  (your)-,  then  separate  and  extend  the  index  and 
second  fingers  of  the  right  hand ;  hold  them,  pointing  forward,  about 
twelve  or  fifteen  inehes  before  the  face,  and  move  them  from  side  to  side, 
eyes  following  the  same  direction  (I sec);  then  throw  the  flat  right  hand 
in  a  short  curve  outward  to  the  right  until  the  back  points  toward  the 
ground  (not),  and  look  inquiringly  at  the  individual  addressed.  (Utel.) 
"Mother  your  1  see  not;  where  is  she  .'" 

Are  you  brave  f 

Point  to  the  person  and  make  sign  for  Brave,  at  same  time  looking 
with  an  inquiring  expression.  (Abxaroka  I;  ShoxJioni  and  Banak  I.) 

Bison,  I  have  shot  a. 

.Move  the  open  left  hand  (palm  to  the  front)  toward  the  left  and  away 
from  the  body  slowly  (motion  of  the  buffalo  when  chased).  Move  right 
hand  on  wrist  as  axis,  rapidly  (man  on  pony  chasing  buffalo);  then  ex 
tend  left  hand  to  the  left,  draw  right  arm  as  if  drawing  a  bow,  snap  the 
forefinger  and  middle  finger  of  left  hand,  and  thrust  the  right  forefinger 
over  the  left  hand.  (Omaha  I.) 

Yon  gave  UK  many  clothe*,  but  we  don't  want  them. 

Lean  forward,  and,  holding  the  hands  concavo-convex,  draw  them  up 
over  the  limbs  severally,  then  cross  on  the  chest  as  wrapping  a  blanket. 
The  arms  are  then  extended  before  the  body,  with  the  hands  in  type- 
position  (W),  to  a  height  indicating  a  large  pile.  The  right  hand  then 
sweeps  outward,  showing  a  negative  state  of  mind.  The  index  of  right 
hand  finally  touches  the  chest  of  the  second  party  and  approaches  the 
body,  in  position  (I),  horizontal.  (Oto  and  Misnonri  I.)  "Something  to 
put  on  that  I  don't  want  from  you." 

Question. 

Hold  the  extended  and  flattened  right  hand,  palm  forward,  at  the 
height  of  the  shoulder  or  face,  and  about  fifteen  inches  from  it,  shaking 
the  hand  from  side  to  side  (at  the  wrist)  as  the  arm  is  slightly  raised, 
resembling  the  outline  of  an  interrogation  mark  (? )  made  from  below 
upward.  (Absamka  I;  Dakota  V,  VI,  VII ;  Hidateal',  Kaioica  I;  Ari- 
kara  I;  Comanche  II,  III;  Pai-Ute  I;  Shoxhoni  and  Banak  I;  Ute  I; 
Apache  I,  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

What?  What  is  it! 

First  attract  the  person's  notice  by  the  sign  for  Attention,  and 
then  the  right-hand,  fingers  extended,  pointing  forward  or  outward,  fin- 


311 

gers  joined,  &c.,  horizontal,  is  carried  outward,  obliquely  in  front  of  the 
right  breast,  and  there  turned  partially  over  and  under  several  times. 
{Dakota  I.) 

What  are  you  doing  ?     What  do  you  want? 


Throw  the  right  hand  about  a  foot  from  right  to  left  several  times, 
describing  an  arc  upward,  palm  inward,  fingers  slightly  bent  and  separ 
ated,  and  pointing  forward.  (Dakota  IV.) 

What  are  you?  *'.  e.,  What  tribe  do  you  belong  to  ? 

Shake  the  upright  opened  right  hand  four  to  eight  inches  from  side 
to  side  a  few  times,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  chin, 
the  palm  forward,  fingers  relaxed  and  a  little  separated.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  flat  right  hand  at  some  distance  in  front  of  and  as  high  as 
the  shoulder,  palm  forward  and  downward,  then  shake  the  hand  from 
side  to  side,  passing  it  slightly  forward  and  upward  at  the  same  time. 
(Dakota  VII.) 

Pass  the  right  hand  from  left  to  right  across  the  face.     (Kutine  I.) 

What  do  you  want? 

The  arm  is  drawn  to  front  of  chest  and  the  hand  in  position  (IV 1), 


modified  by  palms  being  downward  and  hand  horizontal.  From  the 
chest  center  the  hand  is  then  passed  spirally  forward  toward  the  one 
addressed ;  the  hand's  palm  begins  the  spiral  motion  with  a  downward 
and  ends  in  an  upward  aspect.  (Oto  I.)  "To  unwind  or  open." 

Who  are  you?  or,  what  is  your  name? 

The  right  or  left  hand  approximates  close  to  center  of  the  body ;  the 
arm  is  flexed  and  hand  in  position  (D),  or  a  little  more  closed.  From 
inception  of  sign  near  center  of  body  the  hand  slowly  describes  the  arc 
of  a  quadrant,  and  fingers  unfold  as  the  hand  recedes.  We  think  the 
proper  intention  is,  for  the  inception  of  sign  to  be  located  at  the 
heart,  but  it  is  seldom  truly,  anatomically  thus  located.  (Oto  I.)  "To 
unfold  one's  self  or  make  known." 

Are  you  through  ? 

With  arms  hanging  at  the  side  and  forearms  horizontal,  place  the  fists 
near  each  other  in  front  of  body ;  then  with  a  quick  motion  separate 
them  as  though  breaking  something  asunder.  (Sahaptin  I.) 

Do  you  know? 

Shake  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  face,  a  little  to  the  right,  the 
whole  arm  elevated  so  as  to  thro"w  the  hand  even  with  the  face,  and  the 
forearm  standing  almost  perpendicular.  Principal  motion  with  hand, 
slight  motion  of  forearm,  palm  out.  (Sahaptin  I.) 


312 

How  far  is^it  f 

Sign  for  Do  you  Know!  followed  with  a  precise  movement  throw 
ing  right  hand  (palm  toward  face)  to  a  position  as  far  from  body  as 
convenient,  signifying  "farf";  then  with  the  same  quick,  precise  mo 
tion,  bring  the  hand  to  a  position  near  the  face — near?  (Sahaptin  I.) 

How  will  you  go — horseback  or  in  wagon  ? 

First  make  the  sign  for  Do  you  know?  then  throw  right  hand 
forward — "go  or  going,";  then  throw  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  right 
astride  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand,  signifying,  "will  you  ride?"; 
then  swing  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  around  each  other,  sign  of  wheel 
running,  signifying,  "or  will  you  go  in  wagon? "  (Sahaptin  I.) 

DIALOGUES,  ETC. 

The  following  conversation  took  place  at  Washington,  in  April,  1880, 
between  TENDOY,  chief  of  the  Shoshoni  and  Banak  Indians  of  Idaho,  and 
HUERITO,  one  of  the  Apache  chiefs  from  New  Mexico,  in  the  presence 
of  Dr.  W.  J.  Hoffman.  Neither  of  these  Indians  spoke  any  language 
known  to  the  other,  or  had  ever  met  or  heard  of  one  another  before  that 
occasion : 

HUERITO.—  Who  are  you  .' 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand,  palm  forward,  about  twelve 
inches  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder,  then  shake  the  hand 
from  side  to  side  as  it  is  moved  forward  and  upward — question,  tcho 
arc  i/ouf 

TENDOY. — Shoslioni  chief. 

Place  the  closed  right  hand  near  the  right  hip,  leaving  the  index 
only  extended,  palm  down;  then  pass  the  hand  toward  the  front  and 
left,  rotating  the  hand  from  side  to  side—  Shoshoni;  then  place  the 
closed  hand,  with  the  index  extended  and  pointing  upward,  near  the 
right  cheek,  pass  it  upward  as  high  as  the  head,  then  turn  it  forward 
and  downward  toward  the  ground,  terminating  with  the  movement  a 
little  below  the  initial  point — chief. 

HUERITO.— How  old  are  you  ? 

Clinch  both  hands  and  cross  the  forearms  before  the  breast  with  a 
trembling  motion — cold — winters,  years;  then  elevate  the  left  hand  as 
high  as  the  neck  and  about  twelve  or  fifteen  inches  before  it,  palm  to 
ward  the  face,  with  fingers  extended  and  pointing  upward ;  then,  with 
the  index,  turn  down  one  finger  after  another  slowly,  beginning  at  the 
little  finger,  until  three  or  four  are  folded  against  the  palm,  and  look  in 
quiringly  at  the  person  addressed — how  many. 


313 

TENDOY.— Fifty-six. 

Close  and  extend  the  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands,  with  the 
palms  forward,  five  times— fifty;  then  extend  the  fingers  and  thumb  of 
the  left  hand,  close  the  right,  and  place  the  extended  thumb  alongside 
of  and  near  the  left  thumb — nix. 

HUERITO.— Very  well.     Are  there  any  buffalo  in  your 

eountry  ? 

Place  the  flat*  right  hand,  pointing  to  the  left,  with  the  palm  down? 
against  the  breast-bone;  then  move  it  forward  and  slightly  to  the  right 
and  in  a  carve  upward;  make  the  gesture  rather  slowly  and  nearly  to 
arm's  length  (otherwise,  L  e.,  if  made  hastily  and  but  a  short  distance, 
it  would  only  mean  good) — very  good  ;  place  both  closed  hands  to  their 
respective  sides  of  the  head,  palms  toward  the  hair,  leaving  the  forefin 
gers  curved — buffalo;  then  reach  out  the  fist  to  arm's  length  toward  the 
west,  and  throw  it  forcibly  toward  the  ground  for  a  distance  of  about 
six  inches,  edge  downward — country,  away  to  the  west ;  then  point  the 
curved  index  rather  quickly  and  carelessly  toward  the  person  ad 
dressed — your. 

TENDOY. — Yes ;  many  blaek  buffalo. 

Pass  the  closed  right  hand,  with  the  index  partly  flexed,  to  a  posi 
tion  about  eight  inches  before  the  right  collar-bone,  and,  as  the  hand 
reaches  that  elevation,  quickly  close  the  index — yes ;  then  make  the 
same  sign  as  in  the  preceding  question  for  buffalo  ;  touch  the  hair  on 
the  right  side  of  the  head  with  the  palms  of  the  extended  fingers  of 
the  right  hand — black  ;  spread  the  curved  fingers  and  thumb-  of  both 
hands,  place  them  before  either  thigh,  pointing  downward;  then  draw 
them  toward  one  another  and  upward  a?  high  as  the  stomach,  so  that 
the  fingers  will  point  toward  one  another,  or  may  be  interlaced — many. 

TENDOY.— Did  you  hear  anything  from  the  Secretary  I 

If*  so,  tell  me. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  widely  separated; 
pass  it  by  the  ear  from  the  back  of  the  ear  downward  and  toward  the 
chin,  palm  toward  the  head — hear ;  point  to  the  individual  addressed — 
you;  close  the  hand  again,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  separated 
as  in  the  sign  for  Hear  and  placing  the  palmar  surface  of  the  finger 
horizontally  across  the  forehead,  pointing  to  the  left,  allow  the  thumb 
to  rest  against  the  right  temple ;  then  draw  the  index  across  the  fore 
head  from  left  to  right,  leaving  the  thumb  touching  the  head — white 
man;  then  place  the  closed  hand,  with  elevated  index,  before  the  right 
side  of  the  neck  or  in  front  of  the  top  of  the  shoulder;  pass  the  in 
dex,  pointing  upward,  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head ;  turn  it  forward 
and  downward  as  far  as  the  breast — chief;  pass  the  extended  index, 
pointing  upward  and  forward,  forward  from  the  mouth  twice — talk ; 
40 


314 

then  open  and  flatten  the  band,  palm  up,  outer  edge  toward  the  face, 
place  it  about  fifteen  inches  in  front  of  the  chin,  and  draw  it  horizontally 
inward  until  the  hand  nearly  touches  the  neck — tell  inc. 

HUEBITO. — He  told  me  that  in  Tour  clay*  I  would  g*o  to 

my  country. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  curved  ;  place  it  about  six 
inches  from  the  ear  and  move  it  in  toward  the  external  meatus — 
told  me ;  with  the  right  hand  still  closed,  form  a  circle  with  the  index 
and  thumb  by  allowing  their  tips  to  touch;  pass  the  hand  from  east 
to  west  at  arm's  length — day ;  place  the  left  hand  before  the  breast, 
the  fingers  extended,  and  the  thumb  resting  against  the  palm,  back 
forward,  and,  with  the  index,  turn  down  one  finger  after  another, 
beginning  at  the  little  finger— -four ;  touch  the  breast  with  the  tips  of 
the  finger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  collected  to  a  point ;  drop  the 
hand  a  short  distance  and  move  it  forward  to  arm's  length  and  slightly 
upward  until  it  points  above  the  horizon — J,  go  to*  ;  then,  as  the  arm  is 
extended,  throw  the  fist  edgewise  toward  the  ground — tui/  country. 

TENDOY. —  In  two  day*  I  §-o  to  my  country  ju*t  a*  you 
;;•<»  to  your*.  I  g*o  to  mine  wrhere  there  i*  a  ivrraf 
deal  of  snow,  and  we  *hall  *ee  each  other  110  more. 

Place  the  flat  hands,  horizontally,  about  two  feet  apart,  move  them 
quickly  in  an  upward  curve  toward  one  another  until  the  right  lies 
across  the  left — nigltt;  repeat  this  sign — tiro  niyltts  (literally,  tico  xlecpx 
hence);  point  toward  the  individual  addressed  with  the  right  hand — 
you;  and  in  a  continuous  movement  pass  the  hand  to  the  right,  i.  e., 
toward  the  south,  nearly  to  arm's  length — go;  then  throw  the  fist  edge 
wise  toward  the  ground  at  that  distance — your  country ;  then  touch  the 
breast  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand — I ;  move  the  hand 
oif  slowly  toward  the  left,  i.  e.,  toward  the  north,  to  arm's  length — go 
to* ;  and  throw  the  clinched  hand  toward  the  ground — my  country; 
then  hold  both  hands  toward  the  left  as  high  as  the  head,  palms  down, 
with  fingers  and  thumbs  pendent  and  separated;  move  them  toward 
the  ground  two  or  three  rimes — rain;  then  place  the  flat  hands  hori 
zontally  to  the  left  of  the  body  about  two  feet  from  the  ground — deep; 
(literally,  deep  rain)  snoic — and  raise  them  until  about  three  feet  from 
the  ground — very  deep — much;  place  the  hands  before  the  body  about 
twelve  inches  apart,  palms  down,  with  forefingers  only  extended  and 
pointing  toward  one  another ;  push  them  toward  and  from  one  another 
several  times — see  each  other;  then  hold  the  flat  right  hand  in  front  of 
the  breast,  pointing  forward,  palm  to  the  left,  and  throw  it  over  on  its 
back  toward  the  right — not,  no  more. 

EXPLANATORY  NOTE. — Where  the  asterisks  appear  in  the  above  dia 
logue  the  preposition  to  is  included  in  the  gesture.  After  touching  the 
breast  for  I,  the  slow  movement  forward  signifies  going  to,  and  country 


315 

is  signified  by  locating  it  at  arm's  length  toward  the  west,  to  the  left 
of  the  gesturer,  as  the  stopping-place,  also  possession  by  the  clinched 
fist  being  directed  toward  the  ground.  It  is  the  same  as  for  my  or  mine, 
though  made  before  the  body  in  the  latter  signs.  The  direction  of  Ten- 
doy's  hands,  first  to  the  south  and  afterward  to  the  north,  was  under 
stood  not  as  pointing  to  the  exact  locality  of  the  two  parts  of  the 
country,  but  to  the  difference  in  their  respective  climates. 

PATRICIO'S  NARRATIVE. 

This  narrative  was  obtained  in  July,  1880,  by  Dr.  FRANCIS  H.  ATKINS, 
acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  at  South  Fork,  New 
Mexico,  from  TI-PE-BES-TLEL  (Sheepskin-leggings),  habitually  called 
Patricio,  an  intelligent  young  Mescalero  Apache.  It  gives  an  account 
of  what  is  locally  termed  the  "April  Bound-up,"  which  was  the  disarm 
ing  and  imprisoning  by  a  cavalry  command  of  the  United  States  Army, 
of  the  small  Apache  subtribe  to  wrhich  the  narrator  belonged.  The  ref 
erences  to  signs  not  described  are  to  the  contributions  of  Dr.  ATKINS, 
marked  in  the  VOCABULARY  (Apache  III). 

(1)  Left  hand  on  edge,  curved,  palm  forward,  extended  backward 
length  of  arm  toward  the  West  (far  westward). 

(2)  Arms  same,  turned  hand,  tips  down,  and  moved  it  from  north  to 
south  (river}. 

(3)  Dipped  same  hand  several  times  above  and  beyond  last  line  (be 
yond}. 

(4)  Hand  curved  (If,  more  flexed)  and  laid  on  its  back  on  top  of  his 
foot  (moccasins  muck  curved  up  at  toe) ;  then  drew  hands  up  legs  to  near 
knee,  and  cuts  off  with  edges  of  hands  (boot  tops).     (Warm   Spring 
Apaches,  who  wear  booted  moccasins  with  turn-up  toes.) 

(5)  Hands  held  before  him,  tips  near  together,  fingers  gathered  (U)  ; 
then  alternately  opened  and  gathered  fingers  of  both  hands  (P  to  U,  U 
to   P),  and  thrusting  them  toward  each  other  a  few  times  (shot  or 
Tcilled  many). 

(G)  Held  hands  six  inches  from  side  of  head,  thumbs  and  forefingers 
widely  separated  (Mexican,  i.  e.,  wears  a  broad  hat). 

(7)  Held  right  hand  on  edge,  palm  toward  him,  threw  it  on  its  back, 
forward  and  downward  sharply  toward  earth  (T  on  edge  to  X),  (dead, 
so  many  dead). 

(8)  Put  thumbs  to  temples  and  indices  forward,  meeting  in  front, 
other  fingers  closed  (soldiers,  i.  e.,  cap-visor.) 

(9)  Bepeated  No.  5  and  No.  7  (were  also  shot  dead). 

(10)  Placed  first  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  (others  closed) 
astride  of  left  index,  held  horizontally  (horses). 

(11)  Held  hands  on  edge  and  forward  (T  on  edge  forward),  pushed 
them  forward,  waving  vertically  (marching,  which  see ;  also,  travel  or 


316 

fight,  i.  e.,  ran  of  with  soldiers'  horses  or  others).     N.  B. — Using  both 
hands  indicates  double  ranks  of  troops  inarching  also. 

(12)  Struck  right  fist  across  in  front  of  chin  from  right  to  left  sharply 
(bad). 

(13)  Repeated  No.  4  (  Warm  Sprint/  Apache). 

(14)  Moved  fist,  thumb  to  head,  from  center  of  forehead  to  right  tem 
ple  and  a  little  backward  (fool). 

(15)  Repeated  No.  8  and  No.  11  (soldiers  riding  in  double  column). 
(10)  Thrust  right  hand  down  over  and  beyond  left,  both  palms  down 

(^W)  (came  here). 

(17)  Repeated  No.  8  (soldier). 

(18)  Touched  hair  (hair). 

(19)  Touched  tent  (quite  ichite). 

(20)  Touched  top   of  shoulder   (commissioned  officer,  i.  e.,   shoulder- 
straps). 

(21)  Thrust  both  hands  up  high  (high  rank). 

(22)  Right  forefinger  to  forehead;  waved  it  about  in  front  of  face  and 
rolled  head  about  (primarily  fool,  but  qualified  in  this  case  by  the  inter 
preter  as  710  sabe  much). 

(23)  Drew  hands  up  his  thighs  and  body  and   pointed    to   himself 
(Mcscalero  Indian,  q.  •».). 

(24)  Approximated  hands  before  him,  palms  down,  with  thumbs  and 
indices  widely  separated,  as  if  inclosing  a  circle  (captured,i.  e.,  corralled, 
surrounded). 

(25)  Placed  tips  of  hands  together,  wrists  apart,  held  them  erect  (T, 
both  hands  inclined),  (house;  in  this  case  the  agency). 

(2G)  Threw  both  hands,  palms  back,  forward  and  downward,  moving 
from  knuckles  (metacarpo-phalangeal  joint)  only,  several  times  (issuing 
rations). 

(27)  Thrust  two  fingers  (IV)  toward  mouth  and  downward  (food). 

(28)  Repeated  No.  25  (house);  outlined  a  hemispherical  object  (wick-i- 
up) ;  repeated  these  several  times,  bringing  the  hands  with  emphasis 
several  times  down  toward  the  earth  (village  permanently  here}. 

(29)  Repeated  No.  25  several  times  and  pointed  to   a   neighboring 
hillside  (village  over  there). 

(30)  Repeated  Nos.  17  to  21,  inclusive  (General  X). 

(31)  Thrust  two  fingers  forward  from  his  eyes  (primarily  I  see;  also 
I  saic,  or  there  were). 

(32)  Repeated  No.  11  (toward  said  hillside),  (troops  went  over  there  with 
General  X). 

(33)  Repeated  No.  4,  adding  swept  indices  around  head  and  touched 
red  paper  on  a  tobacco  wrapper  (San  Carlos  Apaches,  scouts  especially 
distinguished  by  wearing  a  red  fillet  about  the  head  );  also  added,  drew 
indices  across  each  cheek  from  nose  outward  (were  much  painted). 

(34)  Repeated  No.  24  and  No.  23  (to  capture  the  Mescalero  Indians). 

(35)  Repeated  No.  31  (there  were). 


317 

(36)  Kepeated  No.  33  (San  Carlos  scouts). 

(37)  Repeated  No.  8  (and  soldiers). 

(38)  Clasped  his  hands  effusively  before  his  breast  (so  many !  i.  e.,  a 
great  many). 

(3D)  Repeated  No.  31  ( I  saw). 

(40)  Repeated  No.  23  (my  people). 

(41)  Brought  fists  together  under  chin,  and  hugged  his  arms  close  to 
his  breast,  with  a  shrinking  motion  of  body  (afraid). 

(42)  Struck  off  half  of  left  index  with  right  index  (half,  or  a  portion). 

(43)  Waved  off  laterally  and  upward  with  both  hands  briskly  (fled). 

(44)  Projected  circled  right  thumb  and  index  to  eastern  horizon,  thence 
to  zenith  (next  morning,  i.  e.,  sunrise  to  noon). 

(45)  Repeated  No.  23  (the  Mescaleros). 

(46)  Held  hands  in  position  of  aiming  a  gun — left  oblique — (shoot). 

(47)  Waved  right  index  briskly  before  right  shoulder  (no,  did  not; 
negation). 

(48)  Swept  his  haiid  from  behind  forward,  palm  up  (Y)  (the  others 
came). 

(49)  Repeated  No.  5  (and  shot). 

(50)  Repeated  No.  23  (the  Mescaleros). 

(51)  Repeated  No.  7  (many  dead). 

(52)  Repeated  No.  8  (soldiers). 

(53)  Repeated  No.  10  (horse,  mounted). 

(54)  Hand  forward,  palm  down  (W)  moved  forward  and  up  and  down 
(iraUdng,  i.  e.,  infantry). 

(55)  Beckoned  with  right  hand,  two  fingers  curved  (Uf  horizontal  and 
curved)  (came). 

(56)  Repeated  No.  11  (marching). 

(57)  Repeated  No.  28  (to  this  camp,  or  village). 

(58)  Repeated  No.  23  (with  Mescaleros). 

(59)  Repeated  No.  24  (as  prisoners,  surrounded). 

(60)  Repeated  No.  33  (San  Carlos  scouts). 

(61)  Placed  hands,  spread  out  (R  inverted),  tips  down,  about  waist 
(many  cartridges). 

(62)  Repeated  No.  46  (and  guns). 

(63)  Repeated  No.  5  (shot  many). 

(64)  Repeated  No.  4  (  Warm  Spring  Apaches). 

(65)  Repeated  No.  23  (and  Mescaleros). 

(66)  Moved  fist — thumbs  to  head —  across  his  forehead  from  right  to 
left,  and  cast  it  toward  earth  over  left  shoulder  (brave,  i.  e.,  the  San  Car 
los  scouts  are  brave). 

CONTINUOUS   TRANSLATION   OF   THE   ABOVE. 

Far  westward  beyond  the  Rio  Grande  are  the  Warm  Spring  Apaches, 
who  killed  many  Mexicans  and  soldiers  and  stole  their  horses.  They 
(the  United  States  soldiers)  are  bad  and  fools. 


318 

Some  cavalry  came  here  under  an  aged  officer  of  high  rank,  but  of 
inferior  intelligence,  to  capture  the  Mescalero  Indians. 

The  Mescaleros  wished  to  have  their  village  permanently  here  by  the 
agency,  and  to  receive  their  rations,  /.  e.,  were  peacefully  inclined. 

Our  village  was  over  there.  I  saw  the  general  come  with  troops  and 
San  Carlos  scouts  to  surround  (or  capture)  the  Mescalero  Indians.  There 
were  a  great  many  San  Carlos  scouts  and  soldiers. 

I  saw  that  my  people  were  afraid,  and  half  of  them  tied. 

Next  morning  the  .Mescaleros  did  not  shoot  (were  not  hostile).  The 
others  came  and  killed  many  Mescaleros.  The  cavalry  and  infantry 
brought  us  (the  Mescaleros)  to  this  camp  as  prisoners. 

The  San  Carlos  scouts  were  well  supplied  with  ammunition  and  guns, 
and  shot  many  Warm  Spring  Indians  and  Mescaleros. 

The  San  Carlos  scouts  arc  brave  IIICM. 

TSODIAKO'S  REPORT. 

The  following  statement  was  made  to  Dr.  W.  J.  Hoffman  by  TSODI!KO 
(Shawl  lictid  Boy),  chief  of  the  Wichitas  in  Indian  Territory,  while  on 
a  visit  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  June,  18SO. 

The  Indian  being  asked  whether  there  was  any  timber  in  his  part  of 
the  Territory,  replied  in  signs  as  follows: 

(1)  Move  the  right  hand,  lingers  loosely  extended,  separated  and 
pointing  upward,  back  to  the  front,  upward  from  the  height  of  the  waist 
to  the  front  of  the  face—  tree;  repeat  this  two  or  three  times — trecx  ;  (2) 
then  hold  the  hand,  fingers  extended  and  joined,  pointing  upward,  with 
the  back  to  the  front,  and  push  it  forward  toward  different  points  on  a 
level  with  the  face — xtandimj  at  rot-ion*  /tloccs  ;  (3)  both  hands,  with 
spread  and  slightly  curved  fingers,  are  held  about  two  feet  apart,  before 
the  thighs,  palms  facing,  then  draw  them  toward  one  another  horizon 
tally  and  gradually  upward  until  the  wrists  cross,  as  if  grasping  a 
bunch  of  grass  and  pulling  it  up — mony  ;  (4)  point  to  the  southwest 
with  the  index,  elevating  it  a  little  above  the  horizon — country;  (5) 
then  throw  the  fist  edgewise  toward  the  surface,  in  that  direction — 
my,  mine;  (6)  place  both  hands,  extended,  flat,  edgewise  before  the 
body,  the  left  below  the  right,  and  both  edges  pointing  toward  the 
ground  a  short  distance  to  the  left  of  the  body,  then  make  repeated 
cuts  toward  that  direction  from  different  points,  the  termination  of  each 
cut  ending  at  nearly  the  same  point— cut  down  ;  (7)  hold  the  left  hand 
with  the  fingers  and  thumb  collected  to  a  point,  directed  horizontally 
forward,  and  make  several  cutting  motions  with  the  edge  of  the  t la t 
right  hand  transversely  by  the  tips  of  the  left,  and  upon  the  wrist — cut 
off  the  ends  ;  (8)  then  cut  upon  the  left  hand,  still  held  in  the  same  posi 
tion,  with  the  right,  the  cuts  being  parallel  to  the  longitudinal  axis  of 
the  palm — \/;//7  ,•  ('.))  both  hands  closed  in  front  of  the  body,  about  four 
inches  apart,  with  forefingers  and  thumbs  approximating  half  circles, 


319 

palms  toward  the  ground,  move  them  forward  so  that  the  back  of  the 
hand  conies  forward  and  the  half  circles  imitate  the  movement  of 
wheels — wagon;  (10)  hold  the  left  flat  hand  before  the  body,  pointing 
horizontally  forward,  with  the  palm  down,  then  bring  the  right  flat 
hand  from  the  right  side  and  slap  the  palm  upon  the  back  of  the  left 
several  times — load  upon  ;  (11)  partly  close  the  right  hand  as  if  grasp 
ing  a  thick  rod,  palm  toward  the  ground,  and  push  it  straight  forward 
nearly  to  arm's  length — taTce;  (12)  hold  both  hands  with  fingers  naturally 
extended  and  slightly  separated  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the  body, 
palms  down,  the  right  lying  upon  the  left,  then  pass  the  upper  forward 
and  downward  from  the  left  quickly,  so  that  the  wrist  of  the  right  is 
raised  and  the  fingers  point  earthward — throw  off;  (13)  cut  the  left 
pal tu  repeatedly  with  the  outer  edge  of  the  extended  right  hand — build; 
(14)  hold  both  hands  edgewise  before  the  body,  palms  facing,  spread 
the  fingers  and  place  those  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces  between  those 
of  the  left,  so  that  the  tips  of  one  protrude  beyond  the  backs  of  the 
fingers  of  the  other — log  house;  (lo)  then  place  the  flat  right  hand, 
palm  down  and  fingers  pointing  to  the  left,  against  the  breast  and  move 
it  forward,  and  slightly  upward  and  to  the  right — good. 

ANALYSIS   OF   THE  FOREGOING. 

[There  is]  much  |  timber  |  [in]  my  |  country  |  [of  which  I]  cut  down 

(3)  (1,2)  (5)  (4)      '  (6) 

[some],  |  trimmed,  |  split,  |  loaded  it  upon  |  [a]  wagon  [and]  |  took  it 

(7)  (8)  (10)  (9)  (11) 

away,  |  [where  I]  threw  [it]  off  |  [and]  built  |    [a]  good  |  house  |  . 

(12)  (13)  (15)  (14) 

NOTES. — As  will  be  seen,  the  word  timber  is  composed  of  signs  No. 
1  and  2,  signifying  trees  standing1.  Sign  No.  3,  for  many,  in  this 
instance,  as  in  similar  other  examples,  becomes  much.  The  word  in, 
in  connection  with  country  and  my,  is  expressed  by  the  gesture  of 
pointing  (passing  the  hand  less  quickly  than  in  ordinary  sign  language), 
before  making  sign  No.  5.  That  sign,  commonly  given  for  possession, 
would,  without  the  prefix  of  indication,  imply  my  country,  and  with 
that  prefix  signifies  in  my  country.  Sign  No.  7,  trimmed,  is  in 
dicated  by  chopping  off  the  ends,  and  facial  expression  denoting  satis 
faction.  In  sign  Nos.  11  and  12,  the  gestures  were  continuous,  but  at 
the  termination  of  the  latter  the  narrator  straightened  himself  some 
what,  denoting  that  he  had  overcome  the  greater  part  of  the  labor. 
Sign  No.  14,  denotes  log-house  from  the  manner  of  interlacing  the 
finger-ends,  thus  representing  the  corner  of  a  log-house,  and  the  ar 
rangement  of  the  ends  of  the  same.  Indian  lodge  would  be  indi 
cated  by  another  sign,  although  the  latter  is  often  used  as  an  abbrevia 
tion  for  the  former,  when  the  subject  of  conversation  is  known  to  all 
present. 


SIGNALS. 


The  collaborators  in  the  present  work  have  not  generally  responded  to 
the  request  to  communicate  material  under  this  head.  It  is,  however, 
hoped  that  by  now  printing  some  extracts  from  published  works  and 
the  few  unpublished  statements  recently  procured,  the  attention  of  ob 
servers  will  be  directed  to  the  further  prosecution  of  research  in  this 
direction. 

The  term  "signal"  is  here  used  in  distinction  from  the  signs  noted  in  the 
VOCABULARY,  as  being  some  action  or  manifestation  intended  to  be 
seen  at  a  distance,  and  not  allowing  of  the  minuteness  or  detail  possible 
in  close  converse.  Signals  may  be  executed,  first,  exclusively  by  bodily 
action ;  second,  by  action  of  the  person  in  connection  with  objects,  such 
as  a  blanket,  or  a  lance,  or  in  the  direction  imparted  to  a  horse;  third, 
by  various  devices,  such  as  smoke  or  tire-arrows,  when  the  person  of  the 
signalist  is  not  visible.  They  are  almost  entirely  conventional,  and 
while  their  study  has  not  the  same  kind  of  importance  as  that  of  gest 
ure-signs,  it  possesses  some  peculiar  interest. 

SIGNALS  EXECUTED  BY  BODILY  ACTION. 

Some  of  these  will  probably  be  found  to  be  identical,  or  nearly  so,  with 
the  gesture-signs  used  by  the  same  people. 

Alarm.     See  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 

Anger. 

Close  the  hand,  place  it  against  the  forehead,  and  turn  it  back  and 
forth  while  in  that  position.  (Thirty  Years  of  Army  Life  on  the  Border, 
by  Col.  K.  B.  Marcy,  U.  S.  A.,  p.  34,  New  York,  1860.) 

Come  here. 

The  right  hand  is  to  be  advanced  about  eighteen  inches  at  the  height 
of  the  navel,  horizontal,  relaxed,  palm  downward,  thumb  in  the  palm  ; 
then  draw  it  near  the  side  and  at  the  same  time  drop  the  hand  to  bring 
the  palm  backward.  The  farther  away  the  person  called  is,  the  higher 
the  hand  is  raised.  If  very  far  off,  the  hand  is  raised  high  up  over  the 
head  and  then  swung  forward  and  downward,  then  backward  and  down 
ward  to  the  side.  (Dakota  IV.) 

Danger.     (There  is  something  dangerous  in  that  place.) 

Right-hand  index-finger  and  thumb  forming  a  curve,  the  other  fingers 

320 


321 

closed ;  move  the  right  hand  forward,  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the 
dangerous  place  or  animal.     (Omaha  I.) 

Defiance. 

Eight-hand  index  and  middle  fingers  open ;  motion  toward  the  enemy. 
"  I  do  not  fear  you."  Reverse  the  motion,  bringing  the  hand  toward  the 
subject.  "  Do  your  worst  to  me."  (Omaha  I.) 

Direction.     Pass  around  that  object  or  place  near  you — she-i-heti- 

dha-ga. 

When  a  man  is  at  a  distance,  I  say  to  him  "  Go  around  that  way." 
Describe  a  curve  by  raising  the  hand  abo  *e  the  head,  forefinger  open, 
move  to  right  or  left  according  to  direction  intended  aiid  hand  that  is 
used,  i.  e.,  move  to  the  left,  use  right  hand  ;  move  to  the  right,  use  left 
hand.  (Omaha  I',  Ponka .  I.) 

Halt!     (To  inquire  disposition.) 

Eaise  the  right  hand  with  the  palm  in  front  and  gradually  push  it 
forward  and  back  several  times ;  if  they  are  not  hostile  it  will  at  once 
be  obeyed.  (The  Prairie  Traveler,  by  Randolph  B.  Marcy,  p.  214,  New 
York,  1859.) 

Stand  there  !     He  is  coming  to  you. 

Right  hand  extended,  flat,  edgewise,  moved  downward  several  times. 
(Omaha  I.) 

He  is  going  toward  you. 

Hold  the  open  right  hand,  palm  to  the  left,  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers 
toward  the  person  signaled  to ;  thrust  the  hand  forward  in  either  an 
upward  or  downward  curve.  (Omaha  I ;  Ponka  I.) 

Lie  down  flat  where  you  are  (she-dhu  bis-pe  zhan/-ga). 

Extend  the  right  arm  in  the  direction  of  the  person  signaled  to,  having 
the  palm  down;  move  downward  by  degrees  to  about  the  knees. 
Omaha  I ;  Ponka  I.) 

Peace;  Friendship. 

Hold  up  palm  of  hand. — Observed  as  made  by  an  Indian  of  the  Kan 
sas  tribe  in  1833.  (Indian  Sketches,  by  John  T.  Irving,  vol.  ii,  p.  253, 
Philadelphia,  1835.) 

Elevate  the  outstretched  hands  wide  open  and  fingers  parted  above 
and  on  either  side  of  the  head  at  arm's  length. — Observed  by  Dr.  W. 
J.  Hoffman,  as  made  in  Northern  Arizona  in  1871  by  the  Mojave  and 
Se viches.  "  No  arms  " — corresponding  with  "  hands  up  "  of  road-agents. 

The  right  hand  held  aloft,  empty.     (My  Life  on  the  Plains,  by  General 
G.  A.  Ouster,  p.  238,  New  York,  1874.1 
41 


322 

Question.     (I  do  not  know  you.    Who  are  you?) 

After  halting  a  party  coming :  Right  hand  raised,  palm  in  front  and 
slowly  moved  to  the  right  and  left.  [Answered  by  trilial  sign.]  (Marcy's 
Prairie  Traveler,  loc.  cit.,  214.) 

To  inquire  if  coining  party  is  peaceful. 

Raise  both  hands,  grasped  in  the  manner  of  shaking  hands,  or  by  lock 
ing  the  two  forefingers  firmly  while  the  hands  are  held  up.  If  friendly 
they  will  respond  with  the  same  signal.  (Marcy's  Prairie  Traveler,  loc. 
cit.,  214.) 

Whence  come  you  ? 

First  the  sign  for  Von,  then  the  hand  extended  open  and  drawn  to 
the  breast,  and  lastly  the  sign  for  Bringing.  (Dunbar.) 

Submission. 

The  United  States  steamer  Sarauac  in  1874,  cruising  in  Alaska  waters, 
dropped  anchor  in  July,  1874,  in  Freshwater  Harbor,  back  of  Sitka,  in 
latitude  59°  north.  An  armed  party  landed  at  a  Tlinkit  village  de 
serted  by  all  the  inhabitants  except  one  old  man  and  two  women,  the 
latter  seated  at  the  feet  of  the  former.  The  man  was  in  great  fear, 
turned  his  back  and  held  up  his  hands  as  a  sign  of  utter  helplessness. 
(Extract  from  notes  kindly  furnished  by  Lieutenant-Commander  Win. 
Bainbridge  Hoff,  U.  S.  ST.,  who  was  senior  aid  to  Rear- Admiral  Penuockr 
on  the  cruise  mentioned.) 

Surrender. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  is  held  toward  the  person  [to  whom  the  surren 
der  is  made].  (Long. ) 

SIGNALS  IN  WHICH  OBJECTS  ARE  USED  IN  CON 
NECTION  WITH  PERSONAL  ACTION. 

Buffalo  discovered.     See  also  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho 

signs. 

When  the  Ponkas  or  Omahas  discover  buffalo  the  watcher  stands 
erect  on  the  hill,  with  his  face  toward  the  camp,  holding  his  blanket 
with  an  end  in  each  hand,  his  arms  being  stretched  out  (right  and  left) 
on  a  line  with  shoulders.  (Omaha  I ;  Ponka  I.) 

Come !  To  beckon  to  a  person. 

Hold  out  the  lower  edge  of  the  robe  or  blanket,  then  wave  it  in  to  the 
legs.  This  is  made  when  there  is  a  desire  to  avoid  general  observation. 
(Matthews.) 


323 

Come  back! 

Gather  or  grasp  the  left  side  of  the  uiibuttoned  coat  (or  blanket)  with 
the  right  hand,  and,  either  standing  or  sitting  in  position  so  that  the 
signal  can  be  seen,  wave  it  to  the  left  and  right  as  often  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  sign  to  be  recognized.  When  made  standing  the  per 
son  should  not  move  his  body.  (Dakota  I.) 

Danger.     See  also  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 

Horseman  at  a  distance,  galloping,  passing  and  repassing,  and  cross 
ing  each  other — enemy  comes.  But  for  notice  of  herd  of  buffalo,  they 
gallop  back  and  forward  abreast — do  not  ttross  each  other.  ( Views  of 
Louisiana,  by  H.  M.  Brackenridge,  p.  250,  Pittsburgh,  1814.) 

Biding  rapidly  round  in  a  circle.  "  Danger!  Get  together  as  quickly 
as  possible."  (The  Plains  of  the  Great  West,  &c.,  by  Richard  Irving 
Dodge,  lieutenant-colonel  United  States  Army,  p.  368,  New  York, 

1877.) 

Discovery  of  enemies,  or  of  other  game  than  buffalo. 

See  also  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 
When  enemies  are  discovered,  or  other  game  than  buffalo,  the  senti 
nel  waves  his  blanket  over  his. head  up  and  down,  holding  an  end  in 
each  hand.     (Omaha I;  PonJcal.) 

Drill,  Military. 

It  is  done  by  signals,  devised  after  a  system  of  the  Indian's  own  in 
vention,  and  communicated  in  various  ways. 

I J3  DA  DM 

Wonderful  as  the  statement  may  appear,  the  signaling  on  a  bright 
day,  when  the  sun  is  in  the  proper  direction,  is  done  with  a  piece  of 
looking-glass  held  in  the  hollow  of  the  hand.  The  reflection  of  the  sun's 
rays  thrown  on  the  ranks  communicates  in  some  mysterious  way  the 
wishes  of  the  chief.  Once  standing  on  a  little  knoll,  overlooking  the 
valley  of  the  South  Platte,  I  witnessed  almost  at  my  feet  a  drill  of 
about  one  hundred  warriors  by  a  Sioux  chief,  who  sat  on  his  horse  on  a 
knoll  opposite  me,  and  about  two  hundred  yards  from  his  command  in 
the  plain  below.  For  more  than  half  an  hour  he  commanded  a  drill, 
which  for  variety  and  promptness  of  action  could  not  be  equaled  by 
any  civilized  cavalry  of  the  world.  All  I  could  see  was  an  occasional 
movement  of  the  right  arm.  He  himself  afterwards  told  me  that  he 
used  a  looking-glass.  ( The  Plains  of  the  Great  West,  &c.,  by  Richard 
Irving  Dodge,  lieutenant-colonel  United  States  Army,  pp.  307,  308. 
New  York,  1877.) 

Halt!  Stand  there!  He  is  coming  that  way. 

Grasp  the  end  of  the  blanket  or  robe;  wave  it  downward  several 
times.  (Omaha  I.) 


324 

Peace,  coupled  with  invitation. 

Motion  of  spreading  a  real  or  imaginary  robe  or  skin  on  the  ground 
Noticed  by  Lewis  and  Clark  on  their  first  meeting  with  the  Shoshoni  in 
1805.  (Lewi8  and  Claris  Travels,  &c.,  London,  1817,  vol.  ii,  p.  74.) 

Question. 

The  ordinary  manner  of  opening  communication  with  parties  known 
or  supposed  to  be  hostile  is  to  ride  toward  them  in  /ig/ay  manner,  or  to 
ride  in  a  circle.  (My  Life  on  the  Main*,  &c.,  by  Gen.  G.  A.  Ouster,  U. 
S.  A.,  p.  58.  New  York,  1874.) 

This  author  mentions  (p.  202)  a  systematic  manner  of  waving  a  blanket, 
by  which  the  son  of  Satana,  the  Kaiowa  chief,  conveyed  information  to 
him,  and  a  similar  performance  by  Yellow  Bear,  a  chief  of  the  Arapahos 
(p.  219),  neither  of  which  he  explains  in  detail. 

Safety.     All  quiet.     See  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 

SIGNALS    MADE    WHEN    THE    PERSON    OF    THE 
SIGNALIST  IS  NOT  VISIBLE. 

Those  noted  consist  of  Smoke,  Fire,  or  Dust  signals. 

SMOKE   SIGNALS   GENERALLY. 

"Their  systems  of  telegraphs  are  very  peculiar,  and  though  they 
might  seem  impracticable  at  first,  yet  so  thoroughly  are  they  understood 
by  the  savages  that  it  is  availed  of  frequently  to  immense  advantage. 
The  most  remarkable  is  by  raising  smokes,  by  which  many  important 
facts  are  communicated  to  a  considerable  distance  and  made  intelligi 
ble  by  the  manner,  size,  number,  or  repetition  of  the  smokes,  which  are 
commonly  raised  by  firing  spots  of  dry  grass.  When  traveling,  they 
will  also  pile  heaps  of  stones  upon  mounds  or  conspicuous  points,  so  ar 
ranged  as  to  be  understood  by  their  passing  comrades;  and  sometimes 
they  set  up  the  bleached  buffalo  heads,  which  are  everywhere  scattered 
over  those  plains,  to  indicate  the  direction  of  their  march,  and  many 
other  facts  which  may  be  communicated  by  those  simple  signs."  (Com 
merce  of  the  Prairies,  by  Josiah  Gregg,  vol.  ii,  p.  286.  Xew  York,  1844.) 

The  highest  elevations  of  laud  are  selected  as  stations  from  which 
signals  with  smoke  are  made.  These  can  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  from 
twenty  to  fifty  miles.  By  varying  the  number  of  columns  of  smoke  dif 
ferent  meanings  are  conveyed.  The  most  simple  as  well  as  the  most 
varied  mode,  and  resembling  the  telegraphic  alphabet,  is  arranged  by 
building  a  small  fire,  which  is  not  allowed  to  blaze  ;  then  by  placing  an 
armful  of  partially  green  grass  or  weeds  over  the  fire,  as  if  to  smother 
it,  a  dense  white  smoke  is  created,  which  ordinarily  will  ascend  in  a  con 
tinuous  vertical  column  for  hundreds  of  feet.  Having  established  a  cur- 


325 

rent  of  smoke,  the  Indian  simply  takes  his  blanket  and  by  spreading  it 
over  the  small  pile  of  weeds  or  grass  from  which  the  smoke  takes  its 
source,  and  properly  controlling  the  edges  and  corners  of  the  blanket, 
he  confines  the  smoke  and  is  in  this  way  able  to  retain  it  for  several 
moments.  By  rapidly  displacing  the  blanket,  the  operator  is  enabled 
to  cause  a  dense  volume  of  smoke  to  rise,  the  length  or  shortness  of 
which,  as  well  as  the  number  and  frequency  of  the  columns,  he  can  reg 
ulate  perfectly,  simply  by  a  proper  use  of  the  blanket.  (C lister's  Life  on 
the  Plains,  loc.  cit.,  p.  187.) 

They  gathered  an  armful  of  dried  grass  and  weeds,  which  were  placed 
and  carried  upon  the  highest  point  of  the  peak,  where,  everything  being 
in  readiness,  the  match  was  applied  close  to  the  ground;  but  the  blaze  was 
no  sooner  well  lighted  and  about  to  envelop  the  entire  amount  of  grass 
collected  than  it  was  smothered  with  the  unlighted  portion.  A  slender 
column  of  gray  smoke  then  began  to  ascend  in  a  perpendicular  column. 
This  was  not  enough,  as  it  might  be  taken  for  the  smoke  rising  from  a 
simple  camp  fire.  The  smoldering  grass  was  then  covered  with  a  blanket, 
the  corners  of  which  were  held  so  closely  to  the  ground  as  to  almost 
completely  confine  and  cut  off  the  column  of  smoke.  Waiting  a  few  mo 
ments,  until  the  smoke  was  beginning  to  escape  from  beneath,  the  blanket 
was  suddenly  thrown  aside,  when  a  beautiful  balloon -shaped  column 
puifed  upward  like  the  white  cloud  of  smoke  which  attends  the  discharge 
of  a  field-piece.  Again  casting  the  blanket  on  the  pile  of  grass,  the 
column  was  interrupted  as  before,  and  again  in  due  time  released,  so  that 
a  succession  of  elongated,  egg-shaped  puff's  of  smoke  kept  ascending 
toward  the  sky  in  the  most  regular  manner.  This  bead-like  column  of 
smoke,  considering  the  height  from  which  it  began  to  ascend,  was  visi 
ble  from  points  on  the  level  plain  fifty  miles  distant.  (J6.,  p.  217.) 

SMOKE   SIGNALS  OF   THE   APACHES. 

The  following  information  was  obtained  by  Dr.  W.  J.  HOFFMAN, 
from  the  Apache  chiefs  named  on  page  15,  under  the  title  of  TINNEAN, 
Apache  I : 

The  materials  used  in  making  smoke  of  sufficient  density  and  color 
consist  of  pine  or  cedar  boughs,  leaves  and  grass,  which  can  nearly 
always  be  obtained  in  the  regions  occupied  by  the  Apaches  of  Northern 
New  Mexico.  These  Indians  state  that  they  employ  but  three  kinds  of 
signals,  each  of  which  cousistsof  columns  of  smoke,  numbering  from  one 
to  three  or  more. 

Alarm. 

This  signal  is  made  by  causing  three  or  more  columns  of  smoke  to 
ascend,  and  signifies  danger  or  the  approach  of  an  enemy,  and  also 
requires  the  concentration  of  those  who  see  them.  These  signals  are 
communicated  from  one  camp  to  another,  and  the  most  distant  bauds 
are  guided  by  their  location.  The  greater  the  haste  desired  the  greater 


326 

the  number  of  columns  of  smoke.  These- are  often  so  hastily  made  that 
they  may  resemble  puffs  of  smoke,  and  are  caused  by  throwing  heaps 
of  grass  and  leaves  upon  the  embers  again  and  again. 

Attention. 

This  signal  is  generally  made  by  producing  one  continuous  column, 
and  signifies  attention  for  several  purposes,  vi/c,  when  a  kind  had  become 
tired  of  one  locality,  or  the  grass  may  have  been  consumed  by  the  ponies, 
or  some  other  cause  necessitating  removal;  or  should  an  enemy  be 
reported,  which  would  require  further  watching  before  a  decision  as  to 
future  action  would  be  made,  the  intention  or  knowledge  of  anything 
unusual  would  be  communicated  to  neighboring  bands  by  causing  one; 
column  of  smoke  to  ascend. 

I0»tal>li*liiiient  of  a  eami> ;  Quiet;  Safety. 

When  a  removal  of  cam])  has  been  made,  after  the  signal  for  Atten 
tion  has  been  given,  and  the  party  have  selected  a  place  where  they 
propose  to  remain  until  there  may  be  a  necessity  or  desire  lor  their  re 
moval,  two  columns  of  smoke  are  made,  to  inform  their  friends  that 
they  propose  to  remain  at  that  place.  Two  columns  are  also  made  at 
other  times  during  a  long-continued  residence,  to  inform  the  neighbor 
ing  bands  that  a  camp  still  exists,  and  that  all  is  favorable  and  quiet. 

FOREIGN   SMOKE   SIGNALS. 

The  following  examples  of  smoke  signals  in  foreign  lands  are  added  for 
comparison. 

Miss  Haigh,  speaking  of  the  Guanclies  of  the  Canary  Islands  at  the 
time  of  the  Spanish  conquest,  says:  "When  an  enemy  approached, 
they  alarmed  the  country  by  raising  a  thick  smoke  or  by  whistling, 
which  was  repeated  from  one  to  another.  This  latter  method  is  still  in 
use  among  the  people  of  Teneritfe,  and  may  be  heard  at  an  almost  in 
credible  distance."  (Trans.  Eth.  Soc.  Lonrt.  vii,  1809,  sec.  ser.,  pp.  309, 
110.) 

"The  natives  have  an  easy  method  of  telegraphing  news  to  their  dis 
tant  friends.  When  Sir  Thomas  Mitchell  was  traveling  through  10  a  stern 
Australia  he  often  saw  columns  of  smoke  ascending  through  the  trees 
in  the  forests,  and  he  soon  learned  that  the  natives  used  the  smoke  of 
fires  for  the  purpose  of  making  known  his  movements  to  their  friends. 
Near  Mount  Frazer  he  observed  a  dense  column  of  smoke,  and  subse 
quently  other  smokes  arose,  extending  in  a  telegraphic  line  far  to  the 
south,  along  the  base  of  the  mountains,  and  thus  communicating  to  the 
natives  who  might  be  upon  his  route  homeward  the  tidings  of  his 
return. 

"When  Sir  Thomas  reached  Portland  Bay  he  noticed  that  when  a  whale 
appeared  in  the  bay  the  natives  were  accustomed  to  send  up  a  column 


827 

of  smoke,  thus  giving  timely  intimation  to  all  the  whalers.  If  the  whale 
should  be  pursued  by  one  boat's  crew  only,  it  might  be  taken ;  but  if 
pursued  by  several,  it  would  probably  be  run  ashore  and  become  food 
for  the  blacks."  (Eastern  Australia,  by  Maj.  T.  L.  Mitchell,  F.  G.  S., 
vol.  ii,  p.  241.) 

Jardiue,  writing  of  the  natives  of  Cape  York,  says  that  a  communica 
tion  between  the  islanders  and  the  natives  of  the  mainland  is  frequent; 
and  the  rapid  manner  in  which  news  is  carried  from  tribe  to  tribe,  to 
great  distances,  is  astonishing.  I  was  informed  of  the  approach  of  Her 
Majesty's  Steamer  Salamander,  on  her  last  visit,  two  days  before  her 
arrival  here.  Intelligence  is  conveyed  by  means  of  fires  made  to  throw 
up  smoke  in  different  forms,  and  by  messengers  who  perform  long  and 
rapid  journeys."  (Quoted  by  Smyth,  loc.  cit.,  vol.  1,  p.  153,  from  Over 
land  Expedition,  p.  85.) 

Messengers  in  all  parts  of  Australia  appear  to  have  used  this  mode  of 
signaling.  In  Victoria,  when  traveling  through  the  forests,  they  were 
accustomed  to  raise  smoke  by  tilling  the  hollow  of  a  tree  with  green 
boughs  and  setting  fire  to  the  trunk  at  its  base;  and  in  this  way,  as  they 
always  selected  an  elevated  position  for  the  fire  when  they  could,  their 
movements  were  made  known. 

When  engaged  in  hunting,  when  traveling  on  secret  expeditions, 
when  approaching  an  encampment,  when  threatened  with  danger,  or 
when  foes  menaced  their  friends,  the  natives  made  signals  by  raising  a 
smoke,  and  their  fires  were  lighted  in  such  a  way  as  to  give  forth 
signals  that  would  be  understood  by  people  of  their  own  tribe  and  by 
friendly  tribes.  They  exhibited  great  ability  in  managing  their  system 
of  telegraphy ;  and  in  former  times  it  was  not  seldom  used  to  the  injury 
of  the  white  settlers,  who  at  first  had  no  idea  that  the  thin  column  of 
smoke  rising  through  the  foliage  of  the  adjacent  bush,  and  perhaps 
raised  by  some  feeble  old  woman,  was  an  intimation  to  the  warriors  to 
advance  and  attack  the  Europeans.  (The  Aborigines  of  Victoria,  vol. 
i,  by  E.  Brough  Smyth,  F.  L.  S.,  F.  G.  S.,  Assoc,  Inst.  C.  E.,  etc.,  pp. 
152,  153.) 

FIRE   ARROWS. 

"  Travelers  on  the  prairie  have  often  seen  the  Indians  throwing  up 
signal  lights  at  night,  and  have  wondered  how  it  was  done.  *  *  * 
They  take  off  the  head  of  the  arrow  and  dip  the  shaft  in  gunpowder, 
mixed  with  glue.  *  *  *  The  gunpowder  adheres  to  the  wood,  and 
coats  it  three  or  four  inches  from  its  end  to  the  depth  of  one-fourth  of 
an  inch.  Chewed  bark  mixed  with  dry  gunpowder  is  then  fastened  to 
the  stick,  and  the  arrow  is  ready  for  use.  When  it  is  to  be  fired,  a 
warrior  places  it  on  his  bowstring  and  draws  his  bow  ready  to  let  it 
fly:  the  point  of  the  arrow  is  then  lowered,  another  warrior  lights  the 
dry  bark,  and  it  is  shot  high  in  the  air.  When  it  has  gone  up  a  little 
distance,  it  bursts  out  into  a  flame,  and  burns  brightly  until  it  falls  to 


328 

the  ground.  Various  meanings  arc  attached  to  these  liiv-arro\v  signals. 
Thus,  one  arrow  meant,  among  the  Santees,  'The  enemy  arc  about'; 
two  arrows  from  the  same  point,  'Danger'';  three,  'Great  danger'; 
many, 'They  are  too  strong,  or  we  are  falling  back' ;  two  arrows  sent 
up  at  the  same  moment,  'We  will  attack';  three,  'Soon';  four,  'Now'; 
if  shot  diagonally,  '  In  that  direction.''  These  signals  are  constantly 
changed,  and  are  always  agreed  upon  when  the  party  goes  out  or  before 
it  separates.  The  Indians  send  their  signals  very  intelligently,  and 
seldom  make  mistakes  in  telegraphingeaeh  other  by  these  silent  monitors. 
The  amount  of  information  they  can  communicate  by  tires  and  burning 
arrows  is  perfectly  wonderful.  Every  war  party  carries  with  it  bundles 
of  signal  arrows."  (Belden,  The  White  Chirf;  <»•  Twelve  Years  among  the 
Wild  Indian*  of  the  I'lainx,  pp.  10(J,  107.  Cincinnati  and  New  York,  1871.) 
With  regard  to  the  above,  it  is  possible  that  white  influence  has  been 
felt  in  the  mode  of  signaling  as  well  as  in  the  use  of  gunpowder,  but 
it  would  be  interesting  to  learn  if  any  Indians  adopted  a  similar  expedi 
ent  before  gunpowder  was  known  to  them. 

DTST    SKiNALS. 

When  any  game  or  an  enemy  is  discovered,  and  should  the  sentinel 
be  without  a  blanket,  he  throws  a  handful  of  dust  up  into  the  air.  When 
the  Ernie's  attacked  the  Ponkas,  in  1872,  they  stood  on  the  bluff  and 
threw  up  dust.  (Omahu  I ;  !*<»&«  I.) 

There  appears  to  be  among  the  Bushmen  a  custom  of  throwing  up 
sand  or  earth  into  the  air  when  at  a  distance  from  home  and  in  need  of 
help  of  some  kind  from  those  who  were  there.  (Miss  L.  C.  Lloyd,  MS. 
Letter,  dated  July  10,  1880,  from  Charlton  House,  Mowbray,  near  Cape 
Town,  Africa.) 

NOTES   ON   CHEYENNE   AND   ARAPAHO   SIGNALS. 

The  following  information  was  obtained  from  WA-U"  (Bobtail),  Mo- 
Hf  NUK-MA-Hl-lT  (Big  Horse),  Cheyennes.  and  (3-C'HO-niS-A  (The  Marc, 
better  known  as  "Little  Raven"),  and Ni.-lfA.T8H  (Left  Hand),  Arapahos, 
chiefs  and  members  of  a  delegation  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C.,  in 
September,  1880,  in  the  interest  of  their  tribes  located  in  Indian  Territory: 

A  party  of  Indians  going  ou  the  war-path  leave  camp,  announcing 
their  project  to  the  remaining  individuals  and  informing  neighboring 
friends  by  sending  runners.  A  party  is  only  systematically  organi/ed 
when  several  days  away  from  their  headquarters,  unless  circumstances 
should  require  immediate  action.  The  pipe-bearers  are  appointed,  who 
precede  the  party  while  on  the  march,  carrying  the  pipes,  and  no  one  is 
allowed  to  cross  ahead  of  these  individuals,  or  to  join  the  party  by  riding 
up  before  the  head  of  the  column,  as  it  would  endanger  the  success  of 
the  expedition.  All  new  arrivals  fall  in  from  either  side  or  the  rear. 
Upon  coming  in  sight  of  any  elevations  of  land  likely  to  afford  a  good 
view  of  the  surrounding  country  the  party  come  to  a  halt  and  secrete 


329 

themselves  as  much  as  possible.  The  scouts,  who  have  already  been 
selected,  advance  just  before  daybreak  to  within  a  moderate  distance  of 
.  the  elevation  to  ascertain  if  any  of  the  enemy  have  preceded  them.  This 
is  only  discovered  by  carefully  watching  the  summit  to  see  if  any  objects 
are  in  motion  ;  if  not,  the  flight  of  birds  is  observed,  and  if  any  should 
alight  upon  the  hill  or  butte  it  would  indicate  the  absence  of  anything 
that  might  ordinarily  scare  them  away.  Should  a  large  bird,  as  a  raven, 
crow,  or  eagle,  fly  toward  the  hill-top  and  make  a  sudden  swerve  to 
either  side  and  disappear,  it  would  indicate  the  presence  of  something 
sufficient  to  require  further  examination.  When  it  is  learned  that  there 
is  reason  to  suspect  an  enemy,  the  scout,  who  has  all  the  time  been 
closely  watched  by  the  party  in  the  rear,  makes  a  signal  for  them  to  lie 
still,  signifying  Danger  or  Caution.  It  is  made  by  grasping  the 
blanket  with  the  right  hand  and  waving  it  earthward  from  a  position 
in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder.  This  is  nearly  the  same  as  we 
use  the  hand  for  a  similar  purpose  in  battle  or  hunting  to  direct  "lie 
quiet !" 

Should  the  hill,  however,  be  clear  of  any  one  the  Indian  will  ascend 
slowly,  and  under  cover  as  much  as  possible,  and  gain  a  view  of  the 
country.  If  there  is  no  one  to  be  seen,  the  blanket  is  grasped  and  waved 
horizontally  from  right  to  left  and  back  again  repeatedly,  showing  a 
clear  surface.  If  the  enemy  is  discovered,  the  scout  will  give  the 
Alarm  by  running  down  the  hill  upon  a  side  visible  to  the  watchers, 
in  a  zigzag  manner  which  communicates  the  state  of  affairs. 

Should  any  expedition  or  advance  be  attempted  at  night,  the  same 
signals  as  are  made  with  the  blanket  are  made  with  a  firebrand,  which 
is  constructed  of  a  bunch  of  grass  tied  to  a  short  pole. 

When  a  war  party  encamp  for  a  i  iight  or  a  day  or  more  a  piece  of 
wood  is  stuck  into  the  ground,  pointing  in  the  direction  pursued,  with 
a  number  of  cuts,  notches,  or  marks  corresponding  to  the  number  of 
days  which  the  party  spent  after  leaving  the  last  camp  until  leaving  the 
present  camp,  serving  to  show  to  the  recruits  to  the  main  party,  the 
course  to  be  followed,  and  the  distance. 

A  hunting  party  take  the  same  precautions  in  advancing  as  a  war 
party,  so  as  not  to  be  surprised  by  an  enemy.  If  a  scout  ascends  a 
prominent  elevation  and  discovers  no  game,  the  blanket  is  grasped  and 
waved  horizontally  from  side  to  side  at  the  height  of  the  shoulders  or 
head ;  and  if  game  is  discovered  the  Indian  rides  back  and  forth  (from 
left  to  right)  a  short  distance  so  that  the  distant  observers  can  view  the 
maneuver.  If  a  large  herd  of  buffalo  is  found,  the  extent  traveled  over 
in  going  to  and  fro  increases  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  herd.  A 
quicker  gait  is  traveled  when  the  herd  is  very  large  or  haste  on  the  part 
of  the  hunters  is  desired. 

It  is  stated  that  these  Indians  also  use  mirrors  to  signal  from  one 
elevation  to  another,  but  the  system  could  not  be  learned,  as  they  say 
they  have  no  longer  use  for  it,  having  ceased  warfare  (?). 
42 


